Agenda item

That the Council withdraw from the local authorities Home Authority business advice service in relation to trading standards, food & safety and licensing matters with effect from 1 April 2011 and that it be replaced with a self funding Primary Authority business support scheme.

The Cabinet considered a report seeking approval to withdraw from the Local Authorities Home Authority Business Advice Service with effect from 1 April 2011 and to replace it with a self funding Primary Authority business support scheme.  Members were advised that establishing Primary Authority partnerships with eligible businesses would demonstrate the Council’s commitment to supporting locally based businesses and key employers in the town.  The scheme provided for simpler, more successful local regulation based on a new relationship between businesses and local authorities. 

The proposed scheme would be fully self funding through direct charging for business advice. 

Resolved –  That the Council withdraw from the Local Authorities Home Authority Business Advice Service in relation to trading standards, food & safety and licensing matters with effect from 1 April 2011 and that it be replaced with a self funding Primary Authority business support scheme.