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LBRO to encourage local authorities to give further support to businesses during recession
Local authorities, through their regulatory services, can give an extra boost to businesses during the recession - and help to protect the public from rogue traders. That's the message from the Local Better Regulation Office (LBRO).
From today (Tuesday 31 March) the LBRO is seeking views from local authorities on how they can provide more help to businesses. It has produced draft advice and guidance - 'Better Local Regulation: Supporting businesses in recession and beyond' - and is welcoming comments from councils, business, consumer groups, and national regulators.
To support local authorities in providing more effective regulatory services, the guidance covers areas including: principles of better regulation; engaging to understand business needs; effective targeting and delivering local priorities.
Clive Grace, Chair of LBRO, said:
"Councils are already supporting a range of initiatives to help tackle the downturn in the economy - but there is more to be done.
"In times like these it is important that regulation protects vulnerable people and communities whilst also promoting prosperity: it is essential firms have access to the information and advice they need to help them survive the tough trading conditions.
"LBRO is working with businesses, regulatory services and local government to ensure that the principles of better regulation are used to drive prosperity and protection for local communities - during both the recession and beyond.
"LBRO aims to 'co-produce' the final version of this advice and guidance by working closely with both those that are responsible for delivering regulation, represented through LACORS, and with those that directly benefit from better regulation, businesses and consumers. The final guide will be published ahead of the LGA Annual Conference in July, and launched there - LBRO is delighted to be one of the major sponsors this year."
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Notes to editors
1. Better Local Regulation: Supporting businesses in recession and beyond is a draft guide published on 31 March 2009 which is available for comment for eight weeks. A copy of the document can be downloaded from the LBRO website http://www.lbro.org.uk . Organisations or individuals wishing to comment can reply to consultation @lbro.org.uk. The final guide will be published ahead of the LGA Annual Conference in July.
2. The Local Better Regulation Office (LBRO) helps local authorities improve their environmental health, trading standards, fire safety and licensing services - reducing burdens on businesses that comply with the law while targeting those who flout it. It was incorporated as a government-owned limited company in May 2007. Following the commencement of the Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions Act 2008 on 1 October 2008, it now operates as an executive non-departmental public body, accountable to the Department of Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform through the Better Regulation Executive. LBRO is governed by an independent Board, has a staff of around 25 and is based in central Birmingham. It has a remit that covers the whole of the UK, and works closely with the devolved administrations to ensure our work in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. For further information about LBRO please visit http://www.lbro.org.uk
Media enquiries to Nicky Sammons on 0121 226 4019 or 07500 027 428.
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