Home Authority and Primary Authority Agreements. At the present time no formal recognition of a home authority status exists within the district. However there are several manufactures of foodstuffs within the district and there has always existed an informal arrangement where the Council has acted as a home authority in cases where this has been necessary. The Local Government Regulation directory of home authorities is used by officers if needed to relating to inspections. The Regulatory and Enforcement Sanctions Act 2008 established Primary Authority as a statutory scheme for businesses trading across local authority boundaries. This provides for the business to enter into a formal agreement with the local authority which then acts as the Primary Authority. The primary authority has responsibility for providing regulatory advice and may also issue statutory advice to other local authorities and produce an inspection plan to which enforcing authorities must have regard. If other enforcing authorities have concerns in respect of the business they should be discussed with the primary authority at an early stage and enforcement matters referred to them to ensure they are consistent with previous advice. Reference is made to primary authorities for any businesses in a primary authority agreement prior to action and enforcement and due regard paid to advice provided by the primary authority. If a business sought to enter into a primary authority relationship with Tendring District Council this would be considered although full cost recovery would be sought.
