Responding to the National Crime Agency’s figures on Modern
Slavery, published today, Cllr Morris Bright, Vice Chairman of
the LGA’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, said:
“Councils will not tolerate the exploitation of people in their
communities and are committed to protecting the most vulnerable
in society.
“The sad truth is that there is a good chance that modern slavery
is taking place in the towns, cities and villages where we live,
and our residents may be unwittingly using victims of modern
slavery to wash their cars, paint their nails or lay their
drives, unaware of the hell they are living through.
“Most of all though, all of us have a crucial role to play in
helping tackle modern slavery, if we know what to look out for
and what to do if we spot it. Tip-offs from residents can help
councils work with partners to better tackle slavery and
exploitation. A simple phone call could make a world of
difference to people living wretched lives at the hands of
heartless gangmasters. We can all work together to stop criminals
profiting from other people’s misery, and councils would urge
their residents to do so.
“It is concerning to see a rise in the number of referrals of
British children. Councils are determined to protect children in
their communities, but with essential children’s services
expected to experience a £2 billion funding gap by 2020, they
face real challenges. The LGA has long called for the Government
to address this shortfall and adequately resource children’s
services, and it is long past time for the Government to do
this.”
