Tourism minister Richard Caborn has declared war on poor accommodation standards in England with the launch of a new guide, Fitness for Purpose: Quality Counts.

Published on Tuesday (1 February) in conjunction with the Local Government Association, the guide provides councils with clear information on minimum legal requirements for health and safety, food, hygiene and fire safety.

Caborn said the initiative would help councils raise accommodation standards in their local areas and make it less costly for businesses to comply with regulations, allowing compliant operators to benefit from less red tape.

He added: "Good standards in quality and safety are a top priority for the English tourism industry. A disappointing experience creates a bad image and can significantly harm the country's reputation."

Deputy chief executive of the British Hospitality Association Martin Couchman said he was "fully behind" the guide.

Copies of Fitness for Purpose: Quality Counts are available from the websites www.culture.gov.uk and www.lga.gov.uk.