This report focusses on specific corruption risks in major planning decisions, an area where there is often a large amount of money at stake. It is also very contentious, with many new developments resulting in a net loss of social and genuinely affordable housing, which in many areas are in short supply.
To understand what could undermine openness in the planning process and what local authorities are doing to stop this, we have collected evidence from across England. Although there are some examples of good practice, generally the results make for a worrying read.
Around the world, freeports present a major money laundering risk due to the secrecy and security they offer. Without proper protections in place, creating similar areas in the UK risks effectively establish onshore havens in which criminals and the corrupt could anonymously hide their ill-gotten gains. Such a situation would prove detrimental to our prosperity, security and reputation for fair business practices and the rule of law.
In order to prevent and detect fraud and to promote transparency, we wrote to the Chancellor to request that the government publish the names of all companies that have received government-backed loans under measures rolled-out to protect UK businesses and jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Download the full letter below.
