Enforcement responsibilities during the coronavirus pandemic

Bridgend County Borough Council is working closely with South Wales Police and the Health and Safety Executive to ensure regulations are followed during the coronavirus pandemic.

 

Through its Shared Regulatory Services, the local authority’s enforcement officers are undertaking spot checks on a range of premises to ensure regulations are being met, with advice given in the first instance.

We recognise the lockdown is unsettling for everyone and our enforcement officers will seek to provide advice on routes to compliance in the first instance.

A programme of proactive spot checks on premises are taking place together with reactive visits in response to reports of illegal activity. We are committed to taking firm action against those who flout the law or where there is a serious or immediate risk to health and safety.

Our enforcement officers are also working closely with South Wales Police to ensure the prompt referral of complaints where necessary.

Councillor Dhanisha Patel, the Bridgend County Borough Council cabinet member whose portfolio includes Shared Regulatory Services

Here we outline who is responsible for ensuring the various lockdown requirements are met:

- Requirement to close premises and businesses if illegal activity is taking place – the local authority and the police 

- Requirement to ensure people are able to maintain social distancing restrictions while at premises which are permitted to trade - the local authority and the police

- Requirement to take all reasonable measures to ensure persons working maintain social distancing measures – the local authority and the police. For workplaces which come under the Health and Safety (Enforcing Authority) Regulations 1998, the Health and Safety Executive will investigate any concerns raised about the lack of social distancing between workers.

- Requirement to close places of worship, crematoriums and community centres other than for funerals - the local authority and the police

- Restrictions on movement and gatherings – the police

- Requirement to close and not enter certain public paths and land – the local authority, the national park authority, Natural Resources Wales and the police

To report a business which is breaking regulations email Shared Regulatory Services - adminsupport-srsvale@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk or Bridgend County Borough Council customer services centre by emailing talktous@bridgend.gov.uk or calling 01656 643643