30 March 2007
The government has accepted the recommendations of a review by Westminster City Council chief executive Peter Rogers of local authorities' role as regulatory enforcers.
Rogers examined 61 policy areas where councils are the local regulatory agency enforcing national priorities, and has identified five where that arrangement should continue.
But he concluded that authorities should no longer have to devote resources to the remaining 56 policy areas, unless they are identified as being a local priority.
The national regulatory frameworks will continue for: air quality and pollution; licensing; food hygiene; workplace health; and trading standards. A sixth, on animal and public health, will continue on a national basis for a limited period while the government carries out a review.
Rogers said his new regime took a risk-based approach to local authorities' regulatory role, and would allow them to decide for themselves which regulatory activities were necessary in their areas.
'For those of us in local government who make day-to-day decisions about enforcement, these priorities will help us best protect the health of our citizens and businesses' prosperity,' he added.
Rogers' review was commissioned by the Cabinet Office following a report last year from the Better Regulation Commission.
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