Westminster City Council are now offering Primary Authority partnerships to businesses wishing to take advantage of the scheme. We have signed partnerships with more than 10 businesses including House of Fraser, Gap, Debenhams, Marks & Spencer and Enterprise Inns.

The impact of partnerships can be huge. A Primary Authority can issue advice to its partner business that applies throughout England & Wales* – regardless of where the outlets are based. Primary Authority gives business the confidence to expand and grow, knowing that the regulatory advice they receive is binding on other local authorities. The costs associated with trying to comply with different councils’ interpretations of the law are reduced and businesses can benefit from the reduced regulatory burden conferred by inspection plans.

Who can have a Primary Authority?

Any business, charity or other organisation that is regulated by two or more local authorities in respect of a relevant function – typically matters such as environmental health, trading standards or licensing**.

If you are interested in forming a Primary Authority partnership with Westminster for your business, please contact us on 020 7641 1092

For further information please visit the LBRO website at:

http://www.lbro.org.uk/lbro-projects-primary-authority.html

Information for other local authorities setting up Primary Authority schemes

Learn about why Westminster chose to adopt Primary Authority and how we developed the scheme from our new booklet: “Primary Authority in Practice: Insight for Local Authorities”. Includes the transition process from voluntary schemes, how to cost PA activities and tips on negotiating partnership agreements.

* the scheme does not apply fully in Scotland or Northern Ireland due to devolution. It does apply to health & safety and the majority of trading standards activities in Scotland.

** alcohol licensing, fire safety and gambling are currently outside of the scope of the scheme