Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Environmental Health and Licensing Manager.

Place Scrutiny Committee considered the report at its meeting on 11 January 2018 and its comments will be reported.

The Director (JY) presented the report which sought the introduction of a cost recovery fee for re-rating food hygiene ratings. In partnership with the Food Standards Agency, Environmental Health & Licensing participate in the delivery of the national Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS). The scheme, which had been in place in Exeter since 2011, encouraged businesses to improve hygiene standards and assist consumers in making informed choices about where to eat.

Businesses were rated between 0 (urgent improvement necessary) and 5 (very good). Thosewith a food hygiene rating of 4 or below could request a re-rating inspection. There was currently no charge for these visits but there were costs, in terms of officer and administration time, which were currently absorbed by the service. Following a trial of charging for requested FHRS re-rating inspections with some local authorities in England using existing powers in the Localism Act 2011, the Food Standards Agency had now confirmed a change in policy allowing use of these powers by local authorities in England to introduce fees on a cost recovery basis only for re-rating inspections.

The Director highlighted that both officers and businesses had made the food hygiene standards successful and that 30 businesses requested a re-visit to assess their hygiene certificate on an annual basis, which can cause a burden on the service. As the Local Authority, Exeter City Council had powers to amend this.

Place Scrutiny Committee considered the report at its meeting on 11 January 2018 and its comments were reported.

RECOMMENDED that Council approve the proposal to introduce a cost recovery fee of £160 for Food Hygiene Rating Scheme re-rating inspections which are requested by the Food Business Operator, with effect from 1^st April 2018.

To consider the report of the Environmental Health and Licensing Manager.

The Environmental Health and Licensing Manager presented a report which sought the introduction of a cost recovery fee for re-rating food hygiene ratings. In partnership with the Food Standards Agency, Environmental Health & Licensing participate in the delivery of the national Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS). The scheme, which had been in place in Exeter since 2011, encouraged businesses to improve hygiene standards and assist consumers in making informed choices about where to eat.

Businesses were rated between 0 (urgent improvement necessary) and 5 (very good). Thosewith a food hygiene rating of 4 or below could request a re-rating inspection. There was currently no charge for these visits but there were costs, in terms of officer and administration time, which were currently absorbed by the service. Following a trial of charging for requested FHRS re-rating inspections with some local authorities in England using existing powers in the Localism Act 2011, the Food Standards Agency had now confirmed a change in policy allowing use of these powers by local authorities in England to introduce fees on a cost recovery basis only for re-rating inspections. He informed Members that 30 businesses on an annual basis requested a re-visit to assess their hygiene certificate, which can cause a burden on the service.

In response to Members questions, the Environmental Health and Licensing Manager responded that:-

·         There was currently no legislation to ensure that a restaurant was required to display its food hygiene certificate. If one is not displayed, it did not mean they didn’t have one. Legislation for this had been introduced in Wales, which the Food Standards Agency were keen to introduce in England;

·         A re-visit by Environmental Health Officers was dependent on the restaurants compliance, but was requested by the business to raise their standard. A re-visit would entail a three month period where no inspection took place followed by a further three months where the re-inspection would be undertaken;

Members discussed and supported an introduction of mandatory legislation, to ensure the display of food hygiene certificates.

Place Scrutiny Committee noted the change in the Food Standards Agency charging policy and requested Executive to recommend approval by Council the proposal to introduce a cost recovery fee of £160 for Food Hygiene Rating Scheme re-rating inspections which are requested by the Food Business Operator, with effect from 1 April 2018.