What is a Primary Authority Partnership?

A Primary Authority Partnership is a formal relationship between a business and a Local Regulatory Authority.  This relationship aims to reduce the burdens placed on businesses when they have to liaise with multiple Local Authority regulatory services that perform the same function.

The Primary Authority Scheme has a statutory basis under the Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions Act 2008 and is overseen by The Office for Product Safety and Standards.

The Scheme is not restricted by geographical location and so businesses are free to approach any other Local Authority, or have relationships with more than one authority.

Cumberland Trading Standards Service offers Primary Authority Partnerships in relation to the following regulatory categories:

  • Age Restricted Products and Services

  • Agriculture (manufacture, composition and labelling of animal feed and fertilisers

  • Animal Health and Welfare

  • Consumer Credit

  • Explosives Licensing

  • Petrol Storage

  • Fair Trading

  • Food Standards

  • Metrology (Weights and Measures)

  • Product Safety

What are the benefits of a Primary Authority Partnership?

  • Your business will have access to "Assured Advice" - this is the advice given by the Primary Authority which other Local Authorities must have regard to when carrying out their inspections and enforcement.

  • We will appoint a dedicated officer to manage your partnership and who will handle all contacts made by other Trading Standards Services across the country.

  • Regular contact with the Primary Authority will reduce the risk of non-compliance.

  • We will provide you with information on the number and type of complaints received by Trading Standards about your business

How much will it cost?

Cumberland Trading Standards Service will charge the business for the Primary Authority Services at a rate set at £79.00 per hour with effect from 1 April 2024 for the 2024 to 2025 financial year. VAT is not charged on this rate.  For further information about the scheme please visit the GOV.uk website or contact Cumberland Trading Standards Service.