Darlington Borough Council is set to debate a motion calling for a national review of modern slavery legislation, following police raids on three local massage parlours that uncovered suspected exploitation. The motion, proposed by Councillor Nick Wallis and seconded by Councillor Sajna Ali, comes after Durham Constabulary executed warrants at premises in Parkgate, Thompson Street East and Stonebridge, leading to eight arrests.
Police Operations Highlight Regulatory Gaps
The raids were based on intelligence suggesting individuals were being exploited through suspected modern slavery. The National Crime Agency has stated that massage parlours can serve as covers for modern slavery, sex trafficking, prostitution and money laundering. Councillors argue that the current legal framework is "confused," with councils in London and Nottinghamshire having powers to regulate massage parlours through local legislation, while authorities elsewhere lack comparable authority.
The motion contends that this absence of regulation not only places victims of modern slavery and human trafficking at heightened risk but also permits organised criminal networks to exploit legal shortcomings. It also highlights how the existing framework unfairly damages the reputation of legitimate massage therapists and complementary therapy businesses by failing to distinguish them from illicit operations.
Call for Government Action
Should the motion be approved, the council will write to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood urging the government to examine the legislation and establish powers enabling local councils to oversee massage parlours as part of its devolution agenda. The correspondence will also be sent to the borough's two MPs, Lola McEvoy and Matt Vickers, who support a reassessment of the law, along with Durham's Police and Crime Commissioner, requesting they champion the matter with ministers.
Councillor Nick Wallis said: "The current system is failing victims and allowing criminals to operate with impunity. We need a consistent national approach that protects the vulnerable and supports legitimate businesses." Councillors will debate the motion on Thursday, July 16.
Impact on Genuine Therapists
The motion also emphasises that the lack of regulation unfairly tarnishes the reputation of legitimate massage therapists and complementary therapy establishments. By not differentiating between lawful and illicit operations, the existing framework undermines trust in the sector and penalises honest businesses. Council members argue that the most effective approach involves enhanced collaboration between police forces, local authority enforcement officers, safeguarding agencies and organisations that assist victims of modern slavery.
The debate comes amid growing concerns about the use of massage parlours as fronts for organised crime. According to the National Crime Agency, such establishments can facilitate modern slavery, sex trafficking, prostitution and money laundering. The council's motion seeks to address these issues by pushing for a national review of legislation and the introduction of consistent regulatory powers for local authorities across England.
