HAND car washes operating illegally are being warned about their businesses.

During Wednesday’s building stronger communities policy committee meeting, Dave Watson, from the authority’s public protection team, delivered a presentation to members on the issue.

It comes amid concerns that hand car washes across the nation are damaging the environment and exploiting workers.

Mr Watson also reminded councillors about the importance of protecting ‘the integrity of any ongoing investigation’.

He said the two main issues that have been assessed are the environment and the exploitation of workers, which includes modern slavery.

“One of the recommendations that the Government has made is to move towards a single licensing scheme – that would bring in holistic regulation to have it all in one place,” he said.

“The Government have just looked at this and there is a responsible car wash scheme that has just been launched, and piloted, in the Midlands, so we may wish to learn from best practice that is emerging across the country.

“We are not saying this is a particular problem industry.

“It is something the Government are looking at and something we have been asked to look at locally as well.

“If there are concerns, if there is intelligence, it is only right that we respond to that and work with businesses to promote compliance.”

Committee chair Cllr Jean Flaherty highlighted the need for the public to ‘have confidence’ in car washes operating in their area.

She added: “It is also important for people running businesses not to suffer because other businesses are, perhaps, not very ethical.”

Cllr Flaherty was told there is no specific licensing requirement for hand car washes and that the council has to work within its ‘statutory tools’.

Furthermore, Mr Watson stated there has been a ‘massive increase’ in hand car washes operating across the nation.

Cllr Sharon Harris also put forward her views on the matter.

She said: “It is a really interesting topic, I think it is something which has concerned a lot of us for quite some time.

“I always feel slightly uncomfortable when I go in because I do worry about the modern slavery aspect of it.

“I do try to go to the bigger, reputable ones.

“I am really pleased that there seems to be this multi-agency approach.”