Folkestone and Hythe MP Tony Vaughan met with Hemanshu Patel, national president of the Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed), on Friday, 16 October, to discuss government efforts to tackle rogue trade on the high street. The meeting took place at Patel’s business, Saltwood General Stores, near Hythe, and followed a discussion in December last year.
Government Measures Against Rogue Trade
The meeting came as the government prepares to introduce new measures that may help law enforcement act on the problem. The Fed has also raised these issues directly with the government, with Patel speaking with crime and policing minister Sarah Jones at the end of last year and again this week through the Fed’s membership of the Retail Crime Forum.
Patel said: “The Fed represents thousands of responsible independent retailers across the country – as well as the wider independent retail sector – and we back measures the government is taking which will make it more difficult for criminals to trade on the High Street, particularly through closure notices and closure orders.
“Rogue trade funds organised crime, reduces the government’s tax base and is also driving many high street shops out of business. Meanwhile, we share the government’s concern about the safety of the goods being sold on the black market which have no quality control.”
Retail Crime and Theft Concerns
Patel and Vaughan also discussed the challenges of retail crime and theft, which is no longer accelerating but continues to be close to record highs, according to government data. Patel explained the Fed’s continued concerns around underreporting, along with the legal challenge retailers face when confronting shopkeepers, as well as the length of time it can take to report a retail crime offence.
Finally, Patel spoke of the Fed’s work to encourage independent retailers to prepare for the deposit return scheme (DRS), which will launch on 1 October, 2027. He explained the Fed was keen to help retailers manage costs and was encouraging members to register.
MP's Response and Next Steps
After the meeting, Tony Vaughan said: “It was very useful to speak to Hemanshu again and to congratulate him on becoming national president of the Fed earlier this year. He raised some valuable points about rogue trade and retail crime. I am pleased the government is taking this matter seriously, but I will pass on his feedback to government and colleagues in Parliament about how more can be done to tackle the blight of illicit trade.”
Patel added: “I would like to thank Tony for once again visiting my shop and showing his interest in the Federation’s important agenda. I said we need to ensure our high streets maintain a balanced mix of businesses that attracts people into our town centres. Vibrant high streets depend on a diverse range of businesses that give people reasons to visit and support their local communities.”
