Scheme to cut the cost of red tape

A NATIONWIDE scheme that should enable businesses to save time and money complying with environmental health and trading standards regulations is being launched in Warrington tomorrow (Friday).
The Primary Authority scheme – introduced by the government in April last year – will enable firms that operate across various sites across the country to deal with a single authority – The Primary Authority – instead of various local authority departments with potentially conflicting rules and interpretations of legislation.
A number of firms with bases in Warrington have already signed up to the scheme and will receive their Primary Authority certificates at the launch at the Town Hall at 1pm.
They include Hydes Breweries, Goodlife Foods, Village Hotel and Leisure, James Abbey and Son, Nutrition Point, American Golf Discount Centre and Appliance365
The scheme is voluntary. Firms can continue to deal with the local authorities if they wish.
But the Primary Authority, run by the Local Better Regulation Office (LBRO), can provide detailed, tailored advice to enable businesses to comply with trading standards and environmental health regulations.
The scheme is already working well in other areas. Problems are solved more quickly and the cost of complying with regulations is reduced.
Any firm, regardless of its size, which operates across council boundaries, can join the scheme.
Where no agreement can be reached between different local authorities, the issue can be referred to LBRO for a ruling within 28 days.
Speakers at the Warrington launch will include Andy Farrall, the borough council’s director of environment and regeneration, Peter Astley, the council’s public protection chief and Sarah Smith, from LBRO.