3.6. The Commission works jointly with its regulatory partners to pursue the licensing objectives. The Commission’s approach is one of partnership building and collaboration through proactive engagement, regular up to date advice and support such as quick guides and the LA Bulletin as well as intelligence sharing.

3.7. The Commission draws on the intelligence and insights of its regulatory partners, in particular licensing authorities, who may well be better positioned to identify emerging risks to the licensing objectives, or instances of illegality which can start at a local level. By working closely together we are able to prevent such risks growing into a more widespread problem and to ensure that both Commission and licensing authority resources are used efficiently.

3.8. Since the Act was introduced a great deal of collective experience and insight has been developed, enabling licensing authorities and the Commission to discharge their separate, but sometimes overlapping, functions both more effectively and more efficiently. This ongoing collaboration is vital in ensuring that compliant operators understand the requirements of the regulatory framework and that where non-compliance and illegality occur, appropriate sanctions are applied to deter others and uphold the licensing objectives. Case studies available in the LA toolkit provide examples of successful multi-agency initiatives undertaken by the Commission and its regulatory partners.

3.9. In addition to the Commission’s LA Bulletin that provides a summary of the key issues affecting licensing authorities, we also provide support and guidance on specific issues at forums and training events. The Commission also produces e learning modules, inspection templates and quick guides. Resource permitting we offer support for specific cases of compliance and enforcement as well as the delivery of training and awareness raising sessions throughout Great Britain.

3.10. At a headline and strategic level , the Commission meets regularly with national bodies such as the the Local Government Association (LGA) (opens in new tab), the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) (opens in new tab), the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) (opens in new tab), the Society of Local Authority Lawyers and Administrators (SOLAR) (opens in new tab), and the Institute of Licensing (IoL) (opens in new tab). These meetings provide opportunities to discuss issues of concern, emerging trends and this guidance.

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Last updated: 14 September 2023

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