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The Role of Business
The Principle is designed to help and guide business.
However, businesses must cooperate and accept they have
the onus of compliance. Businesses should:
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Be willing, when
seeking advice, to disclose relevant details of
control, standards, recipes, specifications and
diligence procedures |
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Be prepared to supply evidence
in support of statements, procedures or claims;
accept that the advice given by a home authority
is given in good faith and that it may subsequently
have to be amended in the light of new evidence
or circumstances
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Synopsis
The Home Authority Principle has been developed by food
and trading standards authorities as an aid to good
enforcement practice. Practices which protect the consumer,
encourage fair trading, consistency and common sense.
It aims to:
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Encourage authorities
to place special emphasis on goods and services
originating within their area |
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Provide businesses with a home authority source
of guidance and advice;
support efficient liaison between local authorities |
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Provide a system for the resolution
of problems and disputes |
The Principle commands the support of local authorities,
central government, trade and industry associations,
consumer and professional regulatory bodies.
The Role of LACORS (Local Authorities Co-ordinating
Body on Regulatory Services.)
LACORS, a local government Central Body, has pioneered
the Home Authority Principle and is committed to its
implementation and development. It will:
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Assist individual
businesses with the identification of an appropriate
home authority |
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Assist individual businesses with the identification
of an appropriate home authority |
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Assist individual businesses with
the identification of an appropriate home authority |
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Provide consensus advice and national guidance
in respect of problems referred by local authority
liaison groups or trade associations |
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Provide on request a 'fast track' conciliation
procedure to resolve enforcement differences between
authorities likely to impact on a business; [NB:
This service is not available for issues which
are subjudice; nor for differences between a single
authority and an enterprise] |
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Maintain a home authority database |
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Monitor the Home Authority
Principle and report on the number and nature
of legal actions taken contrary to the advice
of a home authority or LACORS National Panel |
European Footnote
LACORS has advocated the development of the Principle
throughout the European Union. Its principles are central
to the single market and to LACORS appointment as the
United Kingdom Liaison Body under the EC Additional
Food Control Measures Directive.
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