The Primary Authority scheme
Effective local regulation requires confidence and mutual trust. Businesses should be able to rely on the environmental health, licensing and trading standards advice received from local authorities, in the knowledge that it is expert opinion, applicable across the UK, and a secure basis for investment and operational decisions. The Primary Authority scheme - which commenced on 6 April 2009 - drives and supports progress towards this outcome.
For the first time, companies have the right to form a statutory partnership with a single local authority, which then provided robust and reliable advice for other councils to take into account when carrying out inspections or dealing with non-compliance. The scheme builds on the foundation created by voluntary home and lead authority initiatives, but entails a fundamental shift in the nature of the relationship between the regulated and the regulator - bringing benefits to both parties.
The operation of the Primary Authority scheme is a statutory responsibility of LBRO. Our role is to register partnerships, issue guidance and resolve disputes.
"I am extremely proud that Essex County Council has become the Primary Authority for the TSI."
Essex County Councillor Tracey Chapman - 30/06/2009
