A COUNCIL is asking businesses and residents for their views on how it offers advice and carries out enforcement of regulations.

Durham County Council has began online consultation about its proposed environment, health and consumer protection enforcement policy which is designed to protect the public and ensure businesses comply with their legal requirements.

It covers everything from food safety and public health to fair trading and licensing, and applies to all businesses ranging from manufacturers and high street retailers to pubs, taxi operators and private landlords.

The authority wants feedback on how it offers advice and guidance in those areas and dealing with breaches of the law.

Joanne Waller, head of environment, health and consumer protection, said: “Our role is to promote compliance with a variety of different laws which protect residents and the wider public including businesses.

"As well as raising an understanding of what can be expected from the service when we consider taking enforcement action, we would also like as many views as possible, to ensure that our enforcement approach is fair and appropriate."

The online questionnaire is available at durham.gov.uk/consultations and people are asked to respond by Wednesday, January 7.