Commentary on Sections Section 10: Enforcement action by local authorities
59.Subsection (1) provides that a local authority may bring prosecutions in respect of offences under the Act in its area, may investigate complaints in respect of alleged offences in its area, and may take other steps with a view to reducing the incidence of such offences in its area.
60.Subsection (2) provides that a local authority must consider, at least once every year, the extent to which it is appropriate to carry out a programme of enforcement in its area, and to the extent that it considers appropriate, carry out such a programme.
61.Subsection (3) provides that in complying with this requirement, local authorities must in particular have regard to improving public health and protecting children from harm.