Key aspects
- Regardless of its size, a business operating across council boundaries can form a primary authority partnership with a single local authority in relation to regulatory compliance. These partnerships can cover all environmental health and trading standards legislation, or specific functions such as food safety or petroleum licensing.
- Once legally nominated by LBRO, partnerships are automatically recognized by all local regulators. A central register of the partnerships provides an authoritative reference source for businesses and councils.
- By working closely with the business a primary authority can apply regulations to their specific circumstances providing robust and reliable advice. This advice must be respected by all local regulators enabling the business to operate with assurance and confidence.
- A national inspection plan can be produced by the primary authority to improve the effectiveness of inspection, avoid repeated checks, and enable better sharing of information.
- If a problem arises, the primary authority can coordinate enforcement action to ensure that the business is treated consistently and that responses are proportionate to the issue.
- LBRO oversees Primary Authority and operates a dispute resolution procedure.
- A business can choose what level of support it needs from its primary authority. The question of resourcing the partnership is up to the councils and businesses concerned. Where necessary, a primary authority can recover its costs.
The Gateway to Better Local Regulation
Comment on PA - Leeds Council
"This is really about sensible risk management: making sure that the things most likely to cause injury or work-related ill-health are prioritised and dealt with in a comprehensive, planned way."
Leeds City Council Service Manager Steve Wood - 15/02/2010
Protection for the Environment
