Freeports

Large areas of England have been given over to shady freeport companies. Giving freedom to change the local laws and evade planning. People need to understand the risks.

www.gov.uk/government/collections/maps-of-freeports-and-freeport-tax-sites

This article identifies why campaigners are concerned:

theconversation.com/levelling-up-how-uk-freeports-risk-harbouring-international-crime-198328

A government research briefing on Freeports can be found at:

researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CBP-8823/CBP-8823.pdf

Is your area included? Find out here:

www.gov.uk/government/publications/maps-of-uk-freeports

The relationship between Local Authorities and Freeports is difficult to establish but it is worth finding out what has been discovered by the Bylines network for your area.

https://bylinesnetwork.co.uk/

Some areas already have Port Management companies announced, and it is well worth checking out who is behind the organisation. Once you have a name, you can check the directors at Companies House.

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/companies-house

Check Twitter for updates on what is going on in your area using the hashtag #freeports.