Regulatory Services Enforcement Policy: Summary and Invitation to Comment

At a glance

• What this is: our approach to regulatory inspection, advice and enforcement.
• Why it matters: to protect public health, safety and the environment, support legitimate businesses, and improve quality of life in Lewes District and Eastbourne Borough.
• How we work: proportionately, consistently, transparently and in a targeted, risk-based way.
• Key reference: the Regulators' Code (and other relevant legislation and guidance).

What the policy covers

This policy applies to the Council teams that deliver Regulatory Services, including Environmental Health and Licensing. It covers how we provide advice, carry out inspections, gather information where required, and decide what (if any) enforcement action is appropriate.

• Pollution and environmental protection
• Anti-social behaviour (where delivered through Regulatory Services)
• Food safety and hygiene
• Health and safety
• Licensing (premises, taxi and private hire, gambling and other functions)
• Land drainage and coastal protection

Our enforcement principles

• Proportionate: our actions reflect the level of risk and seriousness of any non-compliance.
• Consistent: we aim to provide robust and reliable advice and take a similar approach in similar circumstances.
• Transparent: we explain what is required by law and what is recommended good practice.
• Targeted and risk-based: we focus resources on higher-risk activities and where intelligence or complaints indicate issues.
• Accountable: our work is open to scrutiny and supported by complaints and appeals routes where applicable.

Working with partners

Regulatory issues can overlap with other Council services and external agencies. We will work with partners where there is a shared or complementary role, and we will take account of Primary Authority arrangements where they apply.

What you can expect

• Advice and guidance: we will provide clear information to help people and businesses understand and meet their obligations.
• Risk-based inspections: visits to businesses will normally be planned using risk assessment, unless a visit is requested, a complaint is received, or we act on relevant intelligence.
• Fair decisions: each case is considered on its merits. Decisions are made objectively and are not influenced by personal characteristics.
• Clear reasons: where we take formal action, we will explain what is required, why, and the relevant review/appeal routes where applicable.
• Range of responses: options can include no action, informal advice, written warnings, statutory notices, fixed penalties (where available), and prosecution in serious cases.

Download the draft Regulatory Services Enforcement Policy: 

You can download a PDF copy of the Regulatory Services Enforcement Policy - Draft May 2026 (PDF, 481 KB).

Have your say

We welcome comments from residents, businesses, community groups, partner agencies and other stakeholders. Your feedback will help us ensure the policy is clear, fair and practical.

• Is the policy clear about what you can expect from us and what we expect from you?
• Does it strike the right balance between supporting compliance and taking action where needed?
• Are there any areas where the approach could be clearer or more consistent?
• Are there any specific local issues or priorities we should consider?

How to respond

Consultation period: Monday 11 May 2026 to Monday 29 June at 5pm

• Email: You can send your comments by email to [email protected]  
• Post: You can send your comments by post to: FAO Licensing, Eastbourne Town Hall, Grove Road, Eastbourne, BN21 4UG
• Please include: your name (or organisation), your postcode, and which parts of the policy your comments relate to.

What we will do with your feedback

We will review all comments received and consider whether changes are needed before the policy is finalised. Comments may be published in a summary form. We will handle all information in line with our data protection policy.