Calling the one-stop shop

摘要

When callers ring the council for information, it can be an ordeal for all concerned. However help may be on its way, as Margaret Laing reports. Mr X wants to open a restaurant. He rings his local authority, and receives advice on the legalities as far as planning goes, which is what he requested. Hanging up, Mr X is reassured that he has dealt with the council - but he had not thought to ask about food hygiene issues. As with many common queries, the issue in question falls under more than one regulatory area. The combination of the caller's ignorance and professional ignorance between specialist departments can often lead to confused and even misleading advice.