The OFT and TSS

Local Authority Trading Standards Services

Local Authority Trading Standards Services (TSS) are our key partners in implementing the consumer law regime, which lies at the heart of UK economic policy. We share enforcement powers and work closely with them to provide an efficient and effective service for both consumers and businesses. 

TSS are funded by and accountable to local authorities, and are required to work to national priorities set by government departments and agencies, as well as local priorities set by elected councillors which focus on the particular needs of the local community. They also enforce a far broader range of legislation than the OFT and often have responsibility for animal health, food safety and underage sales of tobacco, alcohol, knives and fireworks.

With the introduction of the Enterprise Act, the OFT was given responsibility for coordinating enforcement activity across a wide range of legislation enforced by both the OFT and TSS.  This has led to far greater collaborative working and we have established a better understanding of our respective priorities and ways of working.

We are working with TSS to establish a UK-wide network of Regional Intelligence Officers, whose responsibility will be to pull together information and intelligence on issues affecting consumers across the country. This will enable us to build a comprehensive picture that will inform the priorities of both TSS and the OFT.

OFT and TSS programme of joint action

Since December 2005, the OFT has also had responsibility for championing and providing regulatory leadership to TSS.  In order to establish precisely what these roles should entail, the OFT consulted widely with all TSS Heads of Service in early 2006. This led to the creation of the OFT and TSS programme of joint action (PJA), which seeks to shape joint action between the OFT and TSS in addressing some of the most important issues impacting TSS' ability to deliver services across the UK. 

Some of the issues addressed include access to funding, raising the profile of TSS and the best way to provide advice to consumers and businesses.

The PJA outlines our joint vision for TSS. We are working towards a TSS that is collaborative, that delivers first rate services and promotes the well-being of local communities.

As the national voice for TSS within government, the OFT has committed to champion TSS in all aspects of their work and to ensure that the voice of TSS is heard on key issues.

We will also give regulatory leadership and assistance to TSS. We will facilitate the effective use of intelligence to ensure that our collective resources can be targeted where they can make most impact nationally and locally. We will provide expert advice, guidance and training, and we will undertake work that has significant benefits for consumers and the economy.

Detailed information of how the OFT and TSS will be working together to benefit consumers and businesses is published in 'Programme of joint action'.

OFT and Trading Standards Services - programme of joint action (pdf 149 kb) Workstream and programme board members (pdf 56 kb)

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