Key elements of primary authority schemes:
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Providing reliable and consistent regulatory advice that the business requires in relation to fire safety
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If a fire and rescue service has concerns about how a business which has a primary authority partnership with a different fire and rescue service is complying with fire safety regulations it will discuss the issue with the primary authority at an early stage
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If a fire and rescue service believes that there is a statutory requirement for taking enforcement action it will notify the primary authority of the action it proposes to take. However, in some cases, there will be a need for enforcement action to proceed immediately, for example where an action is needed urgently to ensure the safety of employees or members of the public
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Where actions of business are potentially subject to enforcement action by a fire and rescue service, the business’s primary authority will advise the fire and rescue service on whether it has given the relevant fire safety advice to the business and whether the enforcement action being proposed is consistent with that advice
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If there is disagreement over whether proposed enforcement action is consistent with the advice given by the primary authority the better regulation delivery office is empowered to determine what, if any, action should be taken