Whether it's responding to reports of food poisoning, supporting businesses to meet food safety standards, or helping to enhance private sector housing, North Kesteven District Council's Public Protection team is working behind the scenes to keep communities safe and thriving.
Food hygiene inspections may be the most visible, or best known, part of their work, but the team’s responsibilities extend far beyond restaurant kitchens and takeaway counters.
Covering a wide range of regulatory and enforcement functions, Public Protection officers are at the heart of protecting public health, safety and wellbeing across the district. At a recent Executive Board meeting this summer, the Council’s Food and Health & Safety Law Enforcement Plan 2026 to 2028 was unanimously approved, further highlighting the extensive work this team does every year.
The work includes, but is not limited to, the following:
· Food hygiene inspections
· Food/environmental sampling and advice to businesses
· Caravan site licensing inspections
· Animal licensing inspections, including dog and cat boarding establishments
· Skin piercing licensing including tattooing and ear piercing
· Private water supply testing
· Private sector housing enforcement
· Health and safety enforcement and investigation
In the 12 months up to 15 September 2026, the team inspected 17 caravan sites and have a total of 23 licenced sites. The difference in numbers is due to inspections being carried out every 12 months from when licenced.
In terms of private sector housing enforcement, the council has dealt with 191 enquiries during the same time period.
The Council has 81 active animal licences and carried out 69 site visits over the last 12 months. It also has 138 active skin piercing licences.