LBRO plans the future from a clear position
LBRO, the public body responsible for better local regulation, has published a review document, Taking Stock, Moving Forward, outlining its view of the future for better local regulation.
The publication shows how LBRO is re-focusing its current objectives to support the improvement of local authority regulatory services; deliver consistency through Primary Authority; and enhance the local regulatory system.
Over the last two years, LBRO has worked directly with local authority regulatory services national regulators and business representatives on a number of projects, research and best practice initiatives., Local authorities across the UK are engaged with LBRO to improve service delivery, deliver cultural change and embed better local regulation. Primary Authority now covers over 14,500 business premises.
LBRO now proposes to restate its objectives as follows:
- Actively support sustainable, sector-led service improvement in local authority regulatory services.
- Deliver Primary Authority and other risk-based solutions to ensure greater consistency.
- Enhance the regulatory environment by simplifying the system and providing evidence-based advice to Government.
LBRO Chairman Clive Grace said: "The external environment for regulatory services has changed considerably over the past two years, particularly with regard to the national public finance. Our strategy must reflect that.
"We have taken the time to take stock and realign our thinking as to how best to support the local regulatory system's drive to create prosperity and protection for all by promoting business growth and protecting vulnerable consumers. We are now keen to hear the views of those engaged in this important agenda."
LBRO will continue to work with local authorities on the key drivers of improvement including prioritisation, culture, leadership and risk based regulation. Working with its partners to build a world-class local regulatory services system, it will continue to develop common approaches to risk-assessment and assessing the professional competency of regulatory officers to reduce burdens on local authorities.
It will also explore approaches to establishing a national enforcement actions database, and assess the need for further modules on a risk and cost basis, tackling the remaining key issues in the wider regulatory system.
LBRO will work with the Office of Fair Trading and the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills to pilot the use of civil sanctions in trading standards services. It will advise on the selection of pilot authorities and its evaluation of the pilots will inform the award of sanctioning powers.
Feedback is being invited until 26 February 2010. Email responses to consultation@lbro.org.uk