The Trading Standards Joint Advisory Board for Brent and Harrow met on Tuesday 30 June 2026 to review the annual report for 2025-26 and discuss the recruitment of a Tobacco and Vapes Apprentice. The board noted the significant work undertaken by the Trading Standards team in enforcing regulations, tackling illicit trade, and protecting consumers across both boroughs.

Trading Standards Annual Report 2025-26

The board received and noted the Trading Standards Annual Report for 2025-26, which detailed the service's activities in promoting fair and equitable trading environments for consumers and businesses. The report highlighted the team's efforts in enforcing over 250 statutes, with a focus on intelligence-led operations. Key areas of work included product safety and market surveillance, where officers collaborated with partners to ensure goods met safety standards, preventing significant financial losses for businesses.

A major focus of the report was the ongoing campaign against illicit tobacco. The service conducted numerous inspections and test purchases, seizing large quantities of illegal cigarettes, hand-rolling tobacco, and smokeless tobacco. This enforcement activity resulted in court cases with substantial fines and costs awarded against offenders. The report also detailed work with letting agents to ensure compliance with fee transparency regulations, with monetary penalties issued to non-compliant agents.

The report further outlined efforts to protect vulnerable residents from doorstep crime and scams, with a rapid response capability in place. Enforcement also continued on age-restricted sales, with test purchasing operations for tobacco, vapes, alcohol, knives, and fireworks. While the majority of businesses refused sales to minors, some prosecutions were brought forward for selling nicotine inhaling products to children. The service also provided advice and support to legitimate businesses, conducting compliance inspections and offering guidance on various regulations. Partnership working with organisations such as the Metropolitan Police at Wembley Stadium events was also highlighted as a successful strategy for tackling illegal trading and counterfeit merchandise.

The report also detailed the work of the Financial Investigators, who secured confiscation orders totalling over £1.7 million under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. These investigations covered a range of offences, including doorstep crime and breaches of planning enforcement notices.

Apprentice Programme Funding for Tobacco and Vapes Enforcement

The board was informed about Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) funding available to support the recruitment of a Tobacco and Vapes Apprentice. This initiative aims to bolster local authority Trading Standards capacity to enforce regulations related to tobacco and vaping products, particularly concerning underage sales and illicit markets. The funding will support the recruitment of approximately 80 apprentice enforcement officers across England, with Brent and Harrow successfully securing a bid for an apprentice.

The apprentice will be involved in test purchasing operations, retailer inspections, identifying illicit products, and gathering intelligence. The apprenticeship is a Level 6 course, funded by the DHSC and delivered over 29 months. This programme is seen as a valuable opportunity for the successful candidate to gain a professional qualification and contribute to addressing the national shortage of qualified Trading Standards officers. The funding from the DHSC is expected to cover the apprentice's salary, on-costs, and necessary equipment.