Businesses located in or trading from more than one council or local authority area will be able to select one of these authorities as its Primary Authority for specialist advice on local bylaw compliance.

The Local Better Regulation Office’s (LBRO) Primary Authority scheme, part of the Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions Act 2008 coming into force on 6 April, aims to reduce inconsistency, uncertainty and unnecessary administrative burdens for business.

Currently, businesses are subject to different interpretation of the bylaws by different councils. Prosecutions can arise when, what is accepted by one local inspector, is viewed as an infringement of the regulations by an inspector from another authority.

LBRO will register partnerships, provide guidance and help resolve any disputes. The Primary Authority concerned may charge businesses for the service.

Primary Authority partnerships will be available to any business, regardless of size, that trades across council boundaries. A business that sells via a website, for example, will have the same access to consistent advice as a large construction company.