High Street Regeneration and Unlawful Storefronts Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Lauren Sullivan
Main Page: Lauren Sullivan (Labour - Gravesham)Department Debates - View all Lauren Sullivan's debates with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
High Street Regeneration and Unlawful Storefronts
Lauren Sullivan Excerpts(1 month ago)
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Nesil Caliskan
I am very happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss whether the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government can do something to support the local authority in rectifying that situation.
As I say, the Government are also extending and reviewing closure powers. We want to ensure a sustained, long-term response alongside that, so we have established a new high street organised crime unit to bring together government, law enforcement and partners. Over and over again, we have seen that a committed approach to data sharing and understanding the role of local government alongside intelligence from local policing can really make a difference in closing down illegal businesses.
Dr Lauren Sullivan (Gravesham) (Lab)
The extension of closure orders to 12 months would be very welcome. There was a closure order a few years ago in Gravesham, but the shop was still selling illegal cigarettes and even hormone replacement therapy medication literally that day and that month. I welcome the new powers, the strengthening measures and the focus on getting these criminals off our streets.
Nesil Caliskan
I thank my hon. Friend for reiterating that important point. The Government will make changes here in Westminster, but we have to ensure that those changes are embedded in our local communities, so that local authorities feel they have the agency, the powers and the resources they need to implement those changes, and that local businesses know what the legislative framework is so that good businesses feel they are supported and illegal businesses know that they cannot get away with it. In essence, that is what helps to build thriving communities for our high streets and town centres.