A leading independent retailers association has welcomed government plans to introduce new legislation giving police and councils enhanced powers to shut down criminal businesses on the high street.

The Home Secretary announced a nationwide crackdown on organised crime operating from high street premises including vape shops, barbers, nail salons and mini-marts, backed by £30 million in new funding. New secondary legislation to extend the maximum duration of closure orders is expected to be introduced by the end of 2026, alongside a new High Street Organised Crime Unit to coordinate the response across government.

Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira - the British Independent Retailers Association, said: "We welcome this new initiative to tackle illicit shops on high streets throughout the UK. For too long the problem has been ignored, and legitimate independent retailers have been left to compete alongside businesses that are, in effect, funded by criminal activity.

"We are keen to understand when these new powers will come into force - our members need them as soon as possible."

Mr Goodacre also called for the landlord community to be brought into the response. "We would like to see landlords engaged on this issue and, where necessary, mandated to carry out greater due diligence on prospective tenants and the source of their funds before agreeing a lease. Closing the door on criminal operators at the point of entry would make enforcement far easier further down the line."

The NCA estimates that at least £12 billion of criminal cash is generated in the UK each year, with around £1 billion laundered through high street businesses.

Bira said it would engage with the forthcoming consultation process and continue to press for the earliest possible implementation of the new measures.