Issue - meetings

The Committee gave consideration to the Food, Health and Safety Work Plan 2026/27. It was explained that the Council was required to produce and approve a work plan that was in line with the Food Standards Agency Framework Agreement and the Statement of Commitment agreed nationally between Local Authority Representatives and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). This plan covered all work undertaken within the Housing and Environmental Enforcement work area relating to Food and Health and Safety.

The purpose of the work plan was to set out how the Council delivered its official controls and fulfilled its duties under food, health and safety, public health and drinking water legislation. Members heard that the additional capacity created within the team had seen them achieve a significantly improved number of inspections. It was anticipated that, whilst there would be some staffing and system changes which may impact on efficiency of work for a short period, there were no concerns raised regarding ability to complete the work plan. A further breakdown of this would be provided at the December update.

Members put on record their thanks to the team and reiterated their faith in the team. The achievement of exceeding target was praised, with full support voiced for the coming year.

In response to a question regarding fees, it was explained that routine inspections did not incur a fee, however if an inspection was requested in advance of the next planned one, for example if a premises had received a low hygiene rating, made improvements, and wished to be re-inspected to achieve a higher rating, there was a fee charged. The fees were set during the annual fees and charges setting through the policy committees.

Having been proposed, seconded, and voted upon, it was

RESOLVED that

a)    the Food, Health and Safety Work Plan as detailed at Appendix 1 be approved; and

b)    an update on progress against the plan be brought to Regulatory Committee at its meeting in December 2026.