Asked by: Lord Bailey of Paddington (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the regulation of American-style candy shops in the United Kingdom particularly in relation to (1) their links with criminal activity, including money laundering, (2) the prosperity of high streets, and (3) public health.
Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
This Government is committed to supporting vibrant high streets that contribute to a thriving everyday economy, growth and community cohesion. Illegitimate businesses can undercut and undermine legitimate ones that are seeking to contribute to their high street and local economy.
Money laundering through cash-based high street businesses is a known issue that government continues to focus on. While businesses such as candy shops are not regulated under the Money Laundering Regulations (MLRs), they interact with MLRs regulated businesses such as banks, who are required to undertake customer due diligence, and under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) must submit reports to the National Crime Agency if they suspect money laundering.
The government works closely with law enforcement and regulators to monitor trends in criminal behaviour – and how these may relate to changes in the make-up of our high streets – to ensure resources are deployed towards the most significant threats.
Supporting people to stay healthier for longer is at the heart of the Government’s Health Mission. We are committed to tackling the obstacles driving obesity. We have already laid secondary legislation to restrict advertisements of less healthy food and drink to children on TV and online, announced changes to the planning framework for fast food near schools and we are taking steps to ensure the Soft Drinks Industry Levy remains effective and fit-for-purpose. We are also committed to banning the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to under 16s.
Asked by: Lord Bailey of Paddington (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking (1) to prevent the closures of, and (2) to support the opening of, Post Offices across London.
Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
Government provides an annual £50m Network Subsidy funding to support the delivery of a minimum number of branches and a geographical spread of branches in line with published access criteria. The Government uplifted the subsidy in FY 24/25 by £37.5 million to further support the Post Office network and the important services it provides. The access criteria ensure that however the network changes, Post Office delivers essential services across the UK via its network of 11,500 branches. The access criteria will ensure that, across London, 99% of the population will continue to live within 3 miles of a Post Office.