New partnership for central and local government working

HSC press release C053:04 - 8 December 2004

Central and Local Government working in partnership, that is the theme of the health and safety conference this week, held in central London.

A high level agreement has been reached by the Health and Safety Commission, with the Health and Safety Executive and the Local Government Associations, representing local authority interests, about building a new partnership to deliver health and safety enforcement.

Philip Hampton, Chair of Sainsbury will give the keynote address to an audience of between two and three hundred local authority delegates, many of whom will be elected representatives, about the benefits of partnership working and the findings of his initial investigations on behalf of the Treasury. His work is focussed upon reducing burdens on business.

Joyce Edmond Smith, an elected member from Brighton and Hove Council and a Health and Safety Commissioner said: "This is a landmark occasion, an opportunity for local authorities to be recognised for the important work they do in ensuring our workforce are protected at work"

Derek Allen, Executive Director of the Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services, said: "The Commission is clear that both local authorities and HSE are vital contributors to the success of its strategy. The high-level agreement offers a sound framework for synergies and true partnership working between local authorities and HSE and all involved parties are committed to delivering this."

Allan Davies, Head of the Local Authority Unit for HSE said: "There is a feeling among all I talk to that this is a very positive approach to partnership working and an enthusiasm to make it work"

Notes to editors

1. This is the 8th annual conference organised by HSE, HELA (Health and Safety Executive/Local Authority Enforcement Liaison Committee). The event takes place at the QEII Centre in central London on 8th December 2004.

Press enquiries

All enquiries from journalists should be directed to the HSE Press Office