Slough is the first town in the country to sign up to a new government initiative aimed at combatting slavery.

Hand car washes in Slough have signed up to the new Responsible Car Wash Scheme.

The scheme hopes to raise standards in hand car wash businesses across the town.

Premises in the borough are being visited by staff from the scheme this week alongside the council’s trading standards and planning officers and Thames Valley Police.

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The council and scheme partnership is offering an initial period of membership for free to encourage those who obey the rules to get on board.

In the future, the cost to the business will be £250.

Car washes which pay employees a fair wage, have the correct planning permissions and insurances, and pay business rates among other criteria, will be accredited as part of the scheme.

Councillor Mohammed Nazir, lead member for housing and community safety, said: “A car wash and valet which costs just a few pounds may feel good for our pockets but this could be funding a business not acting in the best interests of their employees or within the law.

“Cars cost a lot of money and spending just a few more pounds at a car wash is worth it. 

“It means it has been assessed as operating to good standards, helping other businesses in the borough compete on a level playing field as well as making sure workers are being paid fairly.”

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Councillor Pavitar K. Mann, lead member for planning and regulation, said: “The old adage is if it’s too good to be true then maybe it is.

“Not only does this scheme give equity to employees but also businesses, separating those which are doing their best to adhere to the law and the others which undercut and potentially attract more trade.”

Teresa Sayers, managing director of the Responsible Car Wash Scheme, said: “With car washes now reopening after lockdown, risks are resurfacing with regards to violation of labour, employment, health and safety and environmental regulations. 

“The scheme aims to ensure compliance, improve standards, and give consumers confidence they are choosing a fair car wash, by accrediting businesses that adhere to a Code of Practice. 

“With Home Office backing and an independent evaluation, this has the impetus it needs to work on a nationwide level.”

“The government recognises that an accreditation scheme designed to promote compliance and drive up standards for hand car washes can play a role in preventing exploitation of workers and water pollution in this sector. 

“Our role is to explore the efficacy of the RCWS trial and test this as a workable system to implement mandatory licensing on a national level.”