Recommendation 14

In the current economic climate, we accept that the Government is unlikely to provide significant additional long-term funding for local authorities, but it must consult them, if it has not already done so, on how much short-term funding they will need to get the regime up and running. In particular, local and central government should agree what staffing levels will be required and then fund their recruitment. The Government should also assess the availability of environmental health officers and other enforcement staff and work with the sector to ensure that enough places on training courses are available. Local authorities will need many more enforcement officers if the proposals are to make a meaningful difference.