Primary authority partnerships
A Primary Authority Partnership is a government-endorsed scheme which links a business with a Local Authority. It provides businesses with expert and bespoke advice to support regulatory compliance.
As part of a partnership, our team of experts give businesses tailored advice and support on Environmental Health and Trading Standards.
Under the Primary Authority scheme, other regulators are unable to take enforcement action where a business has followed specific advice provided by us. This provides businesses with confidence that to invest in compliance of procedures, practices and products.
If your business operates or sells products within or beyond West Northamptonshire, including online sales, you may be able to enter into a Primary Authority partnership with us.
Government guidance provides more information on Primary Authorities.
Primary Authority Advice is provided as a discretionary service which is paid for by the business on an hourly rate.
| Officer | Hourly rate (VAT exempt) |
|---|---|
| Qualified Officer | £94.50 |
For new partnerships, there is a set up fee of £180.00.
Bulk packages
A bulk purchase of hours can be arranged in advance of work completed, at the start of the year or part way through a year.
| Bulk packages | Cost |
|---|---|
| Small bulk package (5 hours) | £449.00 (includes 5% discount) |
| Medium bulk package (10 hours) | £850.00 (includes 10% discount) |
| Large bulk package (20 hours) | £1,607.00 (includes 15% discount) |
| Super bulk package (30 hours) | £2,268.00 (includes 20% discount) |
| Bespoke Package | For bespoke packages of more than 20 hours, we can offer discounts. The amount of discount will depend on the quantity of hours purchased and the nature of the partnership. |
New partnerships
| Package | What's included | Cost (VAT exempt) |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Fee – new partnerships |
| £180.00 |
Annual renewal
| Package | What's included | Cost (VAT exempt) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic - applicable for all PA businesses |
| £180.00 |
Optional packages for annual renewal
To assist some businesses who have routine annual meetings and/or monthly teams’ meetings etc. we have developed a number of packages which can be purchased at the start of the year.
| Package | What's included | Cost (VAT exempt) |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze | Includes "Basic" package.
| £450.00 |
| Silver | Includes "Basic" package.
| £1,200.00 |
| Gold | Includes "Basic" package.
| £2,200.00 |
| Bespoke | Includes "Basic" package. A bespoke package of review meetings, proactive meetings, hours of reactive work and more can be agreed at the start of the year. | To be calculated based on hourly rate of £94.50 and a saving applied. |
All the above packages have been calculated based on routine proactive work already completed annually for Primary Authority businesses.
A saving has been applied to this where businesses sign up to a package at the start of the financial year and pay upfront. This allows for planning within the team, officer capacity as well as provide a small saving for the business.
If you have any questions regarding any of the above, please come back to us.
Through our team, you can access comprehensive advice on any aspect of Trading Standards, Environmental Health or Licensing legislation.
We also offer:
- Support when dealing with other regulators
- A single point of contact with a dedicated officer who gets to know your business
- Resolution and advice of compliance issues
- Consistency of regulation across all sites
- Support building a robust due diligence compliance system
- Interpretation and practical application of regulations to the specific business operations
- Auditing services
- Inspection plans
- Horizon scanning
- Staff training
This is a chargeable service, and we have a simple fee structure with an annual fee. Then as many hours as you choose bolted on thereafter as and when you need them, charged at our hourly rate. More information about our fees is available above, including how you can purchase bulk hours at a discounted rate.
Terms and Conditions
Primary Authority is a national scheme introduced and overseen by the Government. View the Primary Authority Terms and Conditions.
If you would like to ask any questions regarding Primary Authority, you can email us at environmentalhealth@westnorthants.gov.uk.
Last updated 21 October 2026