City of Stoke on Trent Council

It was very clear that the Authority actively supported the Home Authority Principle (HAP), having 8 formal agreements with food businesses for food standards and informal agreements with a number of businesses for food safety matters. File checks confirmed that the Authority was considering the HAP when carrying out food safety and food standards enforcement. Records for these premises were comprehensive and well ordered confirming that detailed advice and guidance was being given and that liaison had taken place with other local authorities where appropriate.

The Authority�s Service Plan and the majority of relevant procedures included appropriate references to home authority activity. Specific procedures had also been produced and implemented in relation to Home Authority relationships and referrals.

The Authority was able to provide comprehensive and detailed information that demonstrated a clear commitment to assisting businesses and an innovative approach to the proactive promotion of food safety and food standards. This included supporting current central government initiatives and the implementation of local projects that were impressive in terms of their range, diversity and value.