10 for '10 Toolkit for prosperous New Year
To mark the start of 2010, LBRO, the public body for better local regulation, has launched a 10 for '10 Toolkit of ideas, information and practical solutions to help local authority regulators as they serve their communities.
LBRO's new strategic discussion document, Taking Stock, Moving Forward has identified the need for a change across the regulatory system to embrace innovation and drive business growth. And LBRO believes local authorities, national regulators and Government itself, all need to play their part.
The LBRO products and services are designed to help local authorities deliver protection for consumers and the public, as well as increased prosperity, and are nationally available.
LBRO Chairman Clive Grace said: "This toolkit of products developed with local regulatory services reflects our partnership approach with local authorities, and provides a range of options that can help wherever councils feel they are most needed.
"LBRO aims to be a catalyst for change and we are constantly working with our stakeholders to create tools that will support the ways they in turn support their communities."
The toolkit will be publicised via the LBRO website and events, and the individual tools - alongside new initiatives and developments - will be highlighted throughout the year.
The 10 for '10 tools are:
1. Primary Authority: the gateway to simpler, fairer and more successful local regulation based on a new relationship between councils and businesses and providing a single point of contact for environmental health and trading standards matters.
2. Primary Authority Database: the Primary Authority partnership list and relevant information about the signed up businesses is available for local authority inspectors before they visit company premises, to ensure they are fully equipped to assess compliance.
3. Impacts and Outcomes: by identifying and clarifying the value of activity delivered by local regulatory services this toolkit helps them plan budgets, agree priorities, and raise their profile.
4. Trading Places: this free development tool allows officers to increase their commercial understanding by providing opportunities to visit businesses which are accredited by CIEH and TSI for CPD points.
5. Reducing Underage Sales of Alcohol: this report gives examples of successful local authority initiatives against underage alcohol sales.
6. Excellence Framework: developed by local authorities, LBRO and LACoRs, with national regulators, this framework (due to be formally launched in February 2010) supports the self-assessment of regulatory services, facilitating identification of both successes and areas for development.
7. National Enforcement Priorities: these help senior managers and directors develop service plans balancing local and national needs. The draft priorities for Wales are currently subject to consultation by the Welsh Assembly Government.
8. Supporting Businesses Towards Recovery: this guidance shows how regulatory services can play an important role; supporting businesses - and in turn consumers - from recession to growth.
9. Best Practice Information and Case Studies: these provide opportunities to learn from others involved in initiatives such as the Retail Enforcement Pilot, sharing services within or across local authorities and integrating services in the new unitary authorities.
10. Year Ahead Conference: this first joint TSI, CIEH, LACoRS and LBRO event, set for February 11/12, is intended as a meeting of minds, encouraging sharing of ideas and new thinking.
For more details, visit the 10 for '10 page at LBRO's website: www.lbro.org.uk.
[ends]
1 Taking Stock, Moving Forward: Shaping a strategy for better local regulation can be found here. Feedback is being invited until 26 February 2010. Email responses to consultation@lbro.org.uk
2 The Local Better Regulation Office (LBRO) helps local authorities improve their environmental health, trading standards, fire safety and licensing services - reducing burdens on businesses that comply with the law while targeting those who flout it. It was incorporated as a government-owned limited company in May 2007. Following the commencement of the Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions Act 2008 on 1 October 2008, it now operates as an executive non-departmental public body, accountable to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills through the Better Regulation Executive. LBRO is governed by an independent Board, has a staff of around 25 and is based in central Birmingham. Our remit covers the whole of the UK and we liaise closely with the devolved administrations to ensure our work in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland is appropriate. For further information please visit www.lbro.org.uk
Media enquiries
LBRO: Jo Barker or Roland Curtis. Tel: 0121 226 4019.
Email: jo.barker@lbro.org.uk or roland.curtis@lbro.org.uk