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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how many local authorities have applied for Government funding to support Trading Standards to tackle illicit activity on high streets; and if he will provide a breakdown by local authority and funding programme.

Tackling high street criminality is a priority for this government. On 19 May, the government announced a £30 million crackdown on illegal activity on the high street, over three years. £20 million of this will fund an enhanced law enforcement response and the creation of a new cross-government High Street Organised Crime Unit. £6 million will also be allocated to Trading Standards in new funding to bolster the response to sham businesses in at-risk local authorities.

A further £10 million of new funding per year will be provided to Trading Standards until 2028/29, to support the enforcement of illicit and underage tobacco and vape sales, and the implementation of the measures in the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026. This includes recruitment of 120 new apprentices to ensure Trading Standards have a sustainable workforce for the future.