With the Government reducing funding due to the economy downturn, most regulatory authorities are trying to manage the best in whatever is available to stay afloat. The City Council of Liverpool is no exception.
With a shortage of staff, it is unable to execute its statutory functions due to lack of funds and shortage of resources. The council does not have sufficient environmental health officers who can inspect and certify the standard of safety in many food business establishments.
In fact, during the year 2009-2010, the Liverpool City Council could complete less than half of its planned food safety inspections. According to a spokesperson for the council, it is unlikely that the situation would improve due to the lack of funding. With the Government’s cuts affecting the economy, it is extremely difficult for the City Council to recruit additional staff. The shortage of staff is a direct result of shortage of funds and dwindling grants.
An audit published by the Food Standards Agency has confirmed these statistics and trying to work out an optimal solution for the council. One way to ensure timely inspections is to work with the local authorities to reassign resources for recruiting additional staff. However, due to shortage of grants the positions may not be permanent. Over 50% of the positions are yet to be filled and unlikely due to the scarcity of funds.
It is the responsibility of the Food Safety Agency to work with local authorities to reallocate budget plans to accommodate additional staff to clear the pending backlog. However, the audit has revealed that there were no compromises in food safety inspections at high-risk establishments. It is a positive sign in the turbulent times.
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