External research
Better Regulation of Age Restricted Products
(01/09/2010 - 226 KB / 53 pages)
This report was prepared by business representatives in response to a call from LBRO for an independent and evidence-based review of the regulation and enforcement of age-restricted products.
Survey of Business Perceptions 2010 (15/07/2010 - 1.4 MB / 92 pages)
This representative survey of businesses in England and Wales was conducted on behalf of LBRO and the National Audit Office by FDS International.
REP Lessons Learned Report (24/03/2010 PDF - 1.9 MB / 60 pages)
This is a review of the lessons learned during the retail enforcement pilot, produced by the Centre for Decision Analysis and Risk Management at Middlesex University. It draws on the experiences of the geographic clusters of local authorities that tested risk-based, collaborative approaches to the inspection of businesses, highlighting the challenges and successes.
CIPFA Report - Data Collection (07/12/2009 PDF - 332 KB / 35 pages)
LBRO was established to promote and support improvements in local regulation. To facilitate this we have brought together a coalition of national regulators, government departments and professional and representative bodies. One of the early issues it has looked at is the effective use of data. On behalf of the coalition LBRO commissioned the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy to identify data collections from local authority regulatory services and produce an initial estimate of the cost. This report begins to establish the scale of the issue and the task of building an evidence base.
Addressing National Threats Through Local Service Delivery:
LBRO Summary Report (04/12/2009 PDF - 320 KB / 11 pages)
Matrix Summary Report (04/12/2009 PDF - 129 KB / 8 pages)
Matrix Long List (04/12/2009 PDF - 376 KB / 48 pages)
Matrix Methodology (04/12/2009 PDF - 233 KB / 25 pages)
The paradox of much 'local' regulation is that it tackles issues that go well beyond the communities of the local authority charged with the responsibility to address them. LBRO commissioned an exploratory piece of work from the Matrix Knowledge Group to develop a better understanding of the situation. This analysis took a two-stage approach, the full details of which are in the methodology report. Firstly, research identified the national threats discussed in the long list report. Secondly, case study work was undertaken on four selected threats, including cost-benefit analysis where relevant data were available. The overall findings are presented in the Matrix summary report and a full report, which is available from LBRO on request. We have produced our own summary report on research that has informed important policy developments, by generating an authoritative evidence base.
CRED Report Overview (22/10/2009 PDF - 73 KB / 4 pages)
This is our summary of the key themes of the CRED Report. We welcome the findings and will work with business, government and the local regulatory community to take forward the recommendations made.
CRED Report (22/10/2009 PDF - 372 KB / 49 pages)
This details the research undertaken to review and assess the methodology of the retail enforcement pilot in a business environment by the Centre for Regional Economic Development (CRED) at the University of Cumbria. It includes case studies that highlight the experiences of six companies varying in size, sector and geographic location.
Impacts and Outcomes Toolkit (21/10/2009 PDF - 1.6 MB / 72 pages)
This is a step by step guide to how local authority regulatory services can select and develop meaningful indicators to assess the impacts and outcomes of their operations, and gather and display the resulting information.
Impacts and Outcomes Report (21/10/2009 PDF - 2.4 MB / 172 pages)
This assists in the evaluation of local authority regulatory services and addresses a perceived lack of knowledge among policy makers of the added value they provide.
Protecting Young People From Alcohol-related Harm (14/07/2009 PDF - 543 KB / 116 pages) Successful initiatives to reduce underage sales of alcohol and prevent it getting into the hands of the under 18s are detailed in this study. LBRO urges others to adopt the best practice undertaken by local authorities and police forces across the UK.
Shared Services - LCS Summary Report (03/07/2009 PDF - 48 KB / 6 pages)
Criteria for developing successful collaborative working arrangements in regulatory services are provided in this summary report on current practice.
Survey of Consumer Perceptions (20/11/2008 PDF - 230 KB / 40 pages)
This survey commissioned from Ipsos MORI explores consumers' views about local regulation.
Legislative Mapping Report (21/10/2008 PDF - 560 KB / 71 pages)
This report shows the range of legislation that local authority regulators are responsible for enforcing.
Survey of Business Perceptions (01/10/2008 PDF - 400 KB / 72 pages)
This representative survey of businesses in England and Wales commissioned from Ipsos MORI explores their views about local regulation - the burdens, benefits and challenges.
