Issue - meetings

Consideration was given to the report of the Service Manager Public Protection

The Corporate Director Regeneration and Community Services advised that the report informed Members of the Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions Act (RES Act), which impacts on the administration of the Council’s enforcement functions in respect of Environmental Health, Licensing and Trading Standards. The report proposed the adoption of a policy where suitable businesses trading across local authority boundaries, start-up businesses or a single business could be given the opportunity to enter a legal Primary Authority Relationship with Blaenau Gwent Council in respect of regulatory functions. The Corporate Director noted that the Executive are asked to approve the adoption of Primary Authority partnerships in principle and an associated local policy for Primary Authority.

The Corporate Director provided an overview and explanation of a Primary Authority as set out in the report.

RESOLVED that the report be accepted and Option 1 namely;

·        The Draft Policy contained in Appendix 1 be adoptedand delegate authority to the Corporate Director Regeneration & Community Services, to enter Primary Authority relationships on behalf of Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council for the purpose of the Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions Act 2008 (RES Act).

·        the Primary Authority scheme be offered to appropriate businesses on a cost recovery basis for the Local Authority as detailed in the Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions Act.

·        the adoption of the policy would help to ensure legal compliance, embrace the principles of better regulation and support local businesses. The Adoption of the policy would contribute to the Council’s aims to develop a vibrant economy in Blaenau Gwent where businesses of all sizes access support to meet their regulatory requirements and enhance business growth and the associated benefits to our residents and communities.

·        Adoption of Option 1 does not compel the service to enter any Primary Authority partnerships but merely permits such an agreement, if deemed appropriate in line with the Draft Policy shown in Appendix 1.