Policies and regulations

Read our policies on how we enforce standards, review sports ground safety and the energy performance of local authority buildings.

Enforcement policy

We believe that all forms of enforcement should be carried out fairly in a way that avoids unreasonable burden. Through our regulatory activity we’ll: 

  • work with the business community to help you thrive in a fair trading environment
  • assist businesses and individuals to comply with legislation
  • be proportionate in any action that we take
  • carry out duties in a fair, even-handed and consistent manner

We may take action following an inspection of premises, processes or equipment, or if we get a complaint from a member of the public or an employee. We’ll work with businesses to help you comply with the law but enforcement action will be more, rather than less, likely where:

  • the action should act as a deterrent
  • the defendant has previous convictions for similar offences or is continuing to offend
  • advice, warnings, cautions or other enforcement actions have been ignored
  • the alleged offence(s) constitute negligence, recklessness, fraud, dishonesty or disregard for the law
  • the alleged offence creates a risk to public safety and/or animal welfare
  • a conviction is a prerequisite to other enforcement action such as an order banning a person from having charge of animals

Read our full enforcement policy (PDF, 399KB)

Sports ground safety policy

Read our policy on the issue and review of safety certification for sports grounds (PDF, 398KB)

Energy performance regulations

In accordance with the provisions of Regulation 34A(2) of the Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2012, Westmorland and Furness Council – as the local weights and measures authority for the administrative Westmorland and Furness area – has on the 29th day of May 2024 entered into an agreement with Lancashire County Council.      

The effect of this agreement is that as from the 29th day of May 2024, Lancashire County
Council will have the duty to enforce certain provisions of the 2012 Regulations in respect of
local authority buildings in Westmorland and Furness, namely:

  • Part 2 (“Duties Relating To Energy Performance Certificates”)
  • Part 3 (“Display Energy Certificates”)
  • Part 4 (“Inspection of Air-Conditioning Systems”)
  • Part 7 (“Enforcement”)