Your challenges
As a member of a legal or environmental health department of a local authority, you will be well used to taking enforcement action. There may be times however when you would appreciate some expert assistance perhaps because of the complexity of the offences or even because of the attitude of the potential defendant/their lawyers.
Achieving your ambitions
Our regulatory team can advise you on all aspects of regulatory enforcement. Our team of expert lawyers is experienced in reviewing evidence and enforcement policies to advise on appropriate enforcement action. If a decision is made to prosecute, we can assist with drafting the information, dealing with the defendant and the court and advising on all procedural steps. Our in-house advocates are also able to provide representation at court.
The strength you need
We have acted for the legal or environmental health departments of a number of borough, city and district councils providing advice and assistance in relation to enforcement action involving health and safety, environmental permitting, food safety, noise and fly tipping.
Our recent cases include:
- Representing a borough council prosecuting an animal rendering plant in relation to breaches of its environmental permit resulting in offensive odours being experienced by members of the public and the inappropriate storage of raw materials
- Acting on behalf of a district council in prosecuting a food business following the death of a member of the public from salmonella poisoning
- Prosecuting on behalf of a district council and a city council a major retailer for health and safety breaches and food safety breaches. In both cases we were able to obtain a considerable contribution towards our client’s costs
- Acting on behalf of a local authority in prosecuting a cinema chain in the crown court following a fatality including in house advocacy
Lawyers you can trust
The regulatory practice here is described in the Legal 500 directory as “responsive, practical and client focussed and gives good clear robust advice on investigations ranging from noise complaints to fatal accidents. Policy advice is greatly valued by corporate clients.”