Agenda item

Ellie Greenwood, Senior Advisor, introduced the review of trading standards services and detailed how the review will operate. The review will look at what local government needs from trading standards. The government are also looking at this area and this review will inform any discussions arising from its conclusions. A short research report will go to the stakeholder group for discussion, and will also be copied to the Board for comment.

Members welcomed the report and made a number of comments:

• The review should look at the wider regulatory services and interworking between trading standards and other enforcement officers.
• The removal of statutory responsibilities can have a subsequent impact on local authority budgets.
• The variation in cost between different areas should be reflected in the level of fees able to be charged.
• The differences in priorities between urban and rural areas.
• The need to look at where local authorities have the biggest impact and cost efficiency.
• Concern about a loss of local accountability in new governance models.

Cllr Nick Worth and Cllr Anita Lower volunteered to be representatives on the stakeholder group.

Action:

Officers to progress the report, taking into account Members’ comments.

Decision:

Members noted the report.