We have a number of Primary Authority schemes which are available exclusively to businesses that are members of OATA. They cover three areas of work with local authorities that most affect our members.
- Animal activities’ licensing
- Health & safety
- Trading standards
It can be a very complex regulatory environment for small businesses to fit in with so getting advice and help through the scheme could help save your business time and money. And it provides you with a good degree of certainty that you are acting lawfully. Most importantly it gives you an ally if your actions are disputed, provided you have followed any advice given.
This can be particurlary helpful if for example you have a number of shops that operate across different local authority areas because it does mean you can ensure your standards remain consistent across all your shops.
Watch our video explainer for more information on the benefits of being part of these schemes.
Animal Activities’ Licensing
We partner with the City of London Corporation and Monmouthshire Councils to offer guidance and help to address issues such as unwarranted extra conditions imposed by your local authority inspector or if you think they are interpreting manditory guidance in an excessive way. If discrepancies arise, we’re here to mediate and secure assured advice on your behalf.
Health and Safety
This scheme helps your business comply with health and safety regulations, offering a safety net of expert advice to navigate any arising issues.
Trading standards & product safety
We’ve entered into a Primary Authority scheme with Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Trading Standards for trading standards, product safety, fair trade and metrology (weights and measures) to offer OATA members support, advice and guidance to help avoid and resolve trading problems and to provide legal support if members face local authority challenge.
The main areas of Trading Standards law affecting OATA members will be around Product Safety, Electrical Goods and Fair Trading. Together with Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, we have produced three guides which highlight relevant legislation, the legal risks you might have within your business and the steps you need to consider to avoid or minimise those risks. These guides are available free to OATA members. Log in to our Members’ Area to find them.
If there is a problem the local regulator/authority has to take into account any steps the business has taken to comply with the law, which would include following any assured advice issued by Cambridgeshire County Council.
Benefits to businesses
It’s not compulsory to follow any assured advice given but if you do, the Primary Authority will support you if you are challenged by another regulator. Given the complexity of the regulatory environment, seeking advice through OATA’s scheme can save members’ time and money, provides a good degree of certainty that they are acting lawfully, and gives them an ally if their actions are disputed.
