Council consults on revised Better Regulation and Enforcement Policy

Shropshire Council is advising stakeholders that it is consulting on a revised Better Regulation and Enforcement Policy.

There is no statutory duty on the council to prepare and publish such a policy.  However, it is considered good working practice to do so, and is in line with national guidelines.

The policy sets out the council’s approach to regulation across all functions and service areas, and explains the principles aimed at securing compliance.  The emphasis is on advice and guidance, with escalation to informal and formal enforcement sanctions dependent on each individual situation.  The policy identifies and explains the sanctions that may be used by the council. 

As part of the process the council will be consulting with a wide range of stakeholders including neighbouring councils, West Mercia Police, organisations representing businesses, the legal profession and other enforcement agencies.

Frances Darling, service manager for safer and stronger communities within public protection, said:

“The current Public Protection Enforcement Policy, adopted in 2009, required updating to better reflect regulatory practices within public protection.  In undertaking this work, we have also taken the opportunity to broaden the scope of the policy so that it now covers all regulatory functions for which Shropshire Council has responsibility.  Before we finalise the policy, we genuinely want to hear the views of all our stakeholders, and I strongly encourage everyone who wishes to comment to do so over the next three months.”

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for public protection, said:

“In preparing and publishing the policy, the council is demonstrating that it takes its regulator’s role seriously, and that it will work with businesses and the community to secure compliance.   The policy creates transparency for all our stakeholders, and provides the manner in which the council intends to operate through promoting consistency and proportionality in all aspects of regulation.  I would encourage everyone who wishes to support the proposed policy or to express concerns, to make their views known as soon as possible, and clearly to do so before the consultation period ends.”

The consultation period commences today and closes on Sunday 22 December 2013.  All comments and representations should be made, and further advice may be sought from, Grant Tunnadine at:-

Email: grant.tunnadine@shropshire.gov.uk

Telephone: 01743 254110

Post: Public Protection, Shropshire Council, Shirehall, Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY2 6ND.