The Portfolio Holder for Direct & Trading Services presented the report which informed Members of the proposal to create Primary Authority Partnerships with businesses, initially in Kent, but potentially UK wide and recover operating costs for the partnership work.  He advised that the Direct & Trading Advisory Committee had considered and debated the same report and agreed to recommend it to Cabinet.

The Environmental Health Manager further explained that the Environmental Health partnership had been asked to partner with Kent County Council Trading Standards on their existing and future Primary Authority Partnerships, where Environmental Health would be subcontracted to provide assured advice on Environmental Health legislation compliance as requested. 

Public Sector Equality Duty

Members noted that consideration had been given to impacts under the Public Sector Equality Duty.

Resolved:  That

a)     the current situation regarding the operation of the national Primary Authority Scheme, be noted;

b)     the Environmental Health Partnership take on Primary Authority partnerships with businesses and recover operating costs for that partnership work;

c)     the Environmental Health Partnership work with Kent County Council Trading Standards in their operation of the Primary Authority scheme, as their preferred sub contracted EH advisors.