Agenda item

Presentation by Kevin Hyland OBE, Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner

The Chair introduced the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Kevin Hyland OBE, who gave a presentation on his work looking into the issue of modern slavery in the UK. The Commissioner's report outlined the scale of the problem and noted that the Global Slavery Index estimates that 45.8 million people across the world are in some form of slavery, with an estimated 13,000 here in the UK.  

The Commissioner outlined what his role covers and explained that prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution are all covered by his remit. He highlighted the need for political leadership on this issue and said that the Modern Slavery Act ought to be considered as ground-breaking legislation that many other countries across the world are keen to emulate. The Act had created his role, and also set out new requirements on ensuring transparency in supply chains. It was suggested that 70 per cent of people arriving in Europe show some signs of exploitation and that policy, process and local services need to be brought together for a more coordinated response.  

The Commissioner presented a short video on modern slavery, which he is keen for councils to promote as widely as possible. He also spoke of the need to offer more bespoke training to those working in public facing roles about their statutory duty to report incidents they believe may indicate modern slavery in action. There were fewer than 500 referrals in the last year so the Commissioner made clear that the response to modern slavery needs to be better coordinated and that consideration of what long-term support is needed for victims. 

Modern Slavery is driven by the demand for cheap goods and services and the Commissioner outlined how this might manifest itself, noting that car washes, nail bars, farms and brothels are some of the organisations most directly involved in modern slavery. The Commissioner made clear that local government has a considerable role to play in tackling modern slavery and he suggested that councils should be working closely with the police, fire and health services, as well as the private sector, to look out for incidents of slavery. 

More specifically in terms of local government, the Commissioner is calling on councils to review their tendering documentation and to ensure that all of their contractors sign statements on what they are doing to tackle slavery and human trafficking.  

Following the discussion, the following points were made: 

·         Members asked for further details about how councils can support victims, particularly adult victims, what support already exists for them and effective methods of intervention where indicators of modern slavery are found. The Commissioner highlighted the role of the National Referral Mechanism and noted that action by councils against carwashes for example disrupted organised crime groups and helped make operations based on modern slavery less profitable.

·         Members noted that there is already pressure on manufacturing businesses and supply chain management but wondered if additional requirements could be made of investors or banks funding these businesses to publish statements on what they're doing in response to modern slavery. The Commissioner noted the provisions in the Modern Slavery Act to produce a statement about addressing modern slavery in supply chains but noted the statement did not require the business to do anything.

·         There were a few comments about victims of modern slavery, particularly those who have been involved in drug trafficking, who have ended up in prison. Members asked what can be done to address this and the following discussion included the suggestion that the police need to be more aware of the possible involvement of modern slavery. The Commissioner also suggested that the National Police Chiefs Council needs to report on how many victims are imprisoned. 

·         Councils have a duty of care for victims of domestic abuse and violence. Would there be a new duty of councils to also support victims of modern slavery? The Commissioner indicated this option was being explored, but the issue was how it would be funded.

·         Members suggested that there is a need to highlight the work local government is doing on prevention of modern slavery as well as greater integration not just between community groups but also between neighbouring councils.

·         It was suggested that there is almost a need for a form of community covenants to explain what is and what isn't acceptable. In line with better integration, questions were also raised about pooled budgeting and whether Police and Crime Commissioners were being talked to about funding. The Commissioner said better integration was the right way forward and noted the resources that some faith groups were making available for training and providing support to victims. He also suggested businesses had a role to play in investing in addressing modern slavery as some practices indirectly supported modern slavery. The Commissioner added that he had also engaged Police and Crime Commissioners on this agenda.

Decision: 

Members noted the report and the recommendation.

Actions: 

1.    Officers to consider the LGA’s contribution towards the production of Statutory Guidance on Identifying and Supporting Victims or Modern Slavery in England and Wales.

2.    Officers to seek regular feedback from Lord Porter, who will be attending the Prime Minister’s Modern Slavery Taskforce. 

3.    Officers to consider how best to promote the video aimed at local government on Modern Slavery detection and reporting. 

4.    Officers to follow up Cllr Morris Bright’s invitation for the LGA to attend his council’s half-day Anti-Trafficking Conference in Hertfordshire