Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the press release of 24 September 2025 entitled Communities to seize control over high streets and restore pride, how his Department plans to give councils powers to block fake barbers.

The Pride in Place Strategy set out how this government will empower communities to reclaim their high streets and restore pride to their communities. This includes powers to auction off vacant premises, a new Community Right to Buy for valued assets, and streamlined compulsory purchase orders. We are also taking further steps to target illegal activity on our hight streets. The Budget provided £15 million per year towards measures including enhanced Trading Standards capabilities, an uplift of law enforcement officers, and a new cross-government policy taskforce to better understand criminality on our high streets.

This government will also bring forward a High Streets Strategy, backed by at least £150 million of support to help turn the tide on the high streets most in need. This targeted investment will be used to tackle the challenges people care about most.