HMRC new crackdown 'blitz' launched with 30,000 in their sights

News UK & World News HMRC HMRC is urging the public to report suspected tax fraud Tom Kershaw Head of Live News and James Rodger 06:51, 17 Aug 2026 HMRC has launched a fresh "enforcement blitz" - leaving "nowhere to run" for dodgy high street businesses , as the Labour Party government's tax department encourages the public to report firms flouting the law. ‌ The tax authority says it wants information about everything from suspect vape shops to questionable barbers, having revamped its tax fraud reporting service to make flagging suspicious activity simpler than ever. HMRC says it will conduct more than 30,000 interventions this year to combat tax fraud and unlawful activity on high streets across the country. Chancellor John Healey has thrown his weight behind the tax authority's initiative. ‌ The enhanced Report Tax Fraud service on GOV.UK makes it straightforward for members of the public to 'grass up' high street establishments they believe are engaged in fraud, from vape retailers to barbershops, reports Birmingham Live . ‌ The platform requests users to provide specific, factual details about what they've witnessed – including suspicious activities, behaviours, locations and timings connected to money laundering or other HMRC-related criminal conduct. Data submitted via the service will assist HMRC's enforcement teams in gathering intelligence, spotting trends, evaluating risks and directing its compliance and enforcement operations more efficiently. All submissions can be made anonymously. ‌ Mr Healey commented: "Too many high streets have been blighted by dodgy shops that harm local communities and undercuts honest businesses. If you see something that doesn't look right, like suspected tax fraud or money laundering, use HMRC's fraud reporting service and help protect our high streets." As part of the PM's strategy to revitalise Britain's high streets, the Government plans to scrap the Gambling Act's outdated "Aim to Permit" provision, which currently limits councils' ability to block new betting establishments and round-the-clock slot machine venues even when significant local objections exist. The amendment would provide communities and local authorities with greater influence over whether new betting premises are appropriate for their locality, helping prevent them from proliferating unchecked across struggling town centres. Article continues below Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: "For many people, the high streets they grew up with have been hollowed out and become unrecognisable over decades of decline. The rise of vape shops, betting shops and rogue operators have replaced the shops, services, and community spaces that people are crying out for. "That's not on. I said we would improve Britain's high streets, and that's exactly what we are starting to do. We're putting communities back in control and giving local people a real say over what opens on their high street. Local councils will be given the powers they need to rein in unwanted shops and bring town centres back to life. "High streets are the beating heart of local communities, but for too long Westminster has stood by while they have been in decline. This government is committed to restoring our high streets and bringing back hope across Britain." Choose Leeds Live as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value. ‌ HMRC