The purpose of the scheme is to allow businesses to work to consistent guidelines across multiple sites, even if those guidelines contradict a local authorities interpretation of a rule. In the event of a conflict, the scheme requires the local authority to contact and liaise with the Primary Authority before any action is taken against the company.

The scheme has been trialed across the UK with companies such as Tesco, Asda, Waitrose and Halfords getting involved. Since it was officially launched, B&Q, Iceland and Moto have all joined, while those involved in the pilot are considering their options.

The scheme is being managed by the Local Better Regulation Office (LBRO). In a statement, the LBRO said this was a bold move. "For the first time, businesses will be able to form a statutory partnership with a single local authority which will provide robust and reliable advice that other councils must take into account when carrying out inspections or dealing with non-compliance".

LBRO chair Clive Grace said that over the coming months, many other businesses would benefit from the scheme. "We know that 30% of all businesses operating across multiple local authority boundaries perceive inconsistency in the regulation which is applied to them - a huge number. Both those perceptions and the underlying realities will be tackled through Primary Authority," he said.