ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with the lowest tier of local authority for the area, excluding parish councils, enforces the environmental health law. In respect of environmental health law enforcement, a clear scheme of delegation to officers is vital if investigation and remedial action is to be swift and effective. Environmental health practitioners have the power to carry out their functions because that power is given to them by the local authority by whom they are employed. If an environmental health practitioner is not authorised, anything done by way of enforcement, whether serving a notice or bringing proceedings, is void – it has no lawful standing. Notices can be served on and summonses issued against a number of bodies corporate, including limited companies, unincorporated bodies and local authorities. A notice that has been addressed on its face to the wrong party is a ground of appeal against it.
