Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the impact of the trends in the level of cash only barber shops on high streets.

There are no official statistics on trends in the level of cash only barber shops. Cash continues to be used by many people and is a legitimate means of paying for goods and services.

Businesses that primarily accept cash must ensure they meet their legal obligations, and the Government is working with the hair industry to ensure good tax compliance.

HMRC will investigate evidence suggesting businesses have misclassified individuals for tax purposes. Money laundering through cash-based high street businesses is also a known issue, and Government collaborates closely with law enforcement to monitor criminal behaviour.