If you own, manage or operate a business, charity or other organisation, you need to comply with fire safety law. The main legislation is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 which applies across England and Wales.
From 6 April 2014, fire and rescue services in England and Wales can enter into partnerships with businesses, charities or other organisations which operate across more than one local authority fire enforcement area, becoming their single point of contact for fire safety regulation advice.
The principles of primary authority are set out in the Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions Act 2008 (the RES Act). The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013, which received royal assent on 25 April 2013, amended the RES Act, broadening the eligibility criteria for participation in primary authority, and strengthening inspection plans.
Supported by new statutory guidance, the scheme is now accessible to more small businesses and covers more regulations. For more information, visit the Better Regulation Delivery Office website.
The aim of the primary authority scheme is for fire and rescue services to develop effective partnerships with businesses that achieve national consistency in delivering fire safety enforcement advice.
The scheme will also allow fire authorities to recover costs from its partner organisations.