LBRO issues new 'toolkit' to encourage innovation by local authority regulators

The Local Better Regulation Office (LBRO) has published a 'toolkit' of ideas and practical solutions  for local authority regulators in a bid to encourage greater innovation and enable regulated businesses to grow more quickly.

The '10 for '10' toolkit forms part of the organisation's new new strategic plan, Taking Stock, Moving Forward - which is currently under consultation – which has identified the need for a change across the regulatory system to embrace innovation and drive business growth.

1. Primary Authority: the gateway to simpler, fairer and more successful local regulation based on a new relationship between councils and businesses and providing a single point of contact for environmental health and trading standards matters.

2. Primary Authority Database: the Primary Authority partnership list and relevant information about the signed up businesses is available for local authority inspectors before they visit company premises, to ensure they are fully equipped to assess compliance.

3. Impacts and Outcomes: by identifying and clarifying the value of activity delivered by local regulatory services this toolkit helps them plan budgets, agree priorities, and raise their profile.

4. Trading Places: this free development tool allows officers to increase their commercial understanding by providing opportunities to visit businesses which are accredited by CIEH and TSI for CPD points.

5. Reducing Underage Sales of Alcohol: this report gives examples of successful local authority initiatives against underage alcohol sales.

6. Excellence Framework: developed by local authorities, LBRO and LACoRs, with national regulators, this framework (due to be formally launched in February 2010) supports the self-assessment of regulatory services, facilitating identification of both successes and areas for development.

7. National Enforcement Priorities: these help senior managers and directors develop service plans balancing local and national needs. The draft priorities for Wales are currently subject to consultation by the Welsh Assembly Government.

8. Supporting Businesses Towards Recovery: this guidance shows how regulatory services can play an important role; supporting businesses - and in turn consumers - from recession to growth.

9. Best Practice Information and Case Studies: these provide opportunities to learn from others involved in initiatives such as the Retail Enforcement Pilot, sharing services within or across local authorities and integrating services in the new unitary authorities.

10. Year Ahead Conference: this first joint Trading Standards Institute, Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services (LaCORS) and LBRO event, set for February 11/12, is intended as a meeting of minds, encouraging sharing of ideas and new thinking.

LBRO Chairman Clive Grace said: "This toolkit of products developed with local regulatory services reflects our partnership approach with local authorities, and provides a range of options that can help wherever councils feel they are most needed. LBRO aims to be a catalyst for change and we are constantly working with our stakeholders to create tools that will support the ways they in turn support their communities."

The toolkit will be publicised via the LBRO website and events, and the individual tools - alongside new initiatives and developments - will be highlighted throughout the year.

More details cam be found on the LBRO's website: www.lbro.org.uk.