Local Authority Prosecutions
Local authorities have the power to investigate and prosecute in a considerable number of areas, derived from the Local Government Act 1972 and supplemented by other pieces of legislation. Areas in which cases can be brought include:-
- Prosecutions of private hire drivers, e.g. for the offence of Plying for Hire;
- Trading Standards matters, including those relating to underage sales;
- Environmental offences, such as fly tipping (under the Environmental Protection Act 1990);
- Food safety offences, enforcing the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013
They have the power to conduct interviews under caution in accordance with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, though they cannot make an arrest. A person being interviewed under caution is entitled to legal representation, and we are on hand to accompany you as well as advising on the overall approach which should be taken.
A local authority may also work alongside other agencies (e.g. the Environment Agency and Health and Safety Executive) in the investigation and prosecution process.
