Overview

The Civil Contingencies Act 2004 places a statutory duty upon Local Authorities (as a Category 1 Responder) to carry out the following duties:

• Put in place:
  • emergency plans
  • business continuity management arrangements
  • arrangements to make information available to the public about civil protection matters and maintain arrangements to warn, inform and advise the public in the event of an emergency
• Share information with other local responders to enhance co-ordination
• Co-operate with other local responders to enhance co-ordination and efficiency
• Provide advice and assistance to businesses and voluntary organisations about business continuity management (Local Authorities only)
  

The Act introduces new requirements on authorities and other agencies to work together to develop, maintain and implement effective arrangements to meet the challenges of the 21st century.  These include flooding, rail disasters, foot and mouth, the impact of climate change and pandemics.

In order to comply with this duty and to ensure an effective response is delivered to lessen the impact or disruption on the district, it is essential for the Emergency Planning Team to:

• Carry out district wide risk/hazard assessments and ensure planning meets the needs of the district
• Prepare emergency plans. These plans are prepared in consultation with emergency services, health service, voluntary organisations, utilities and other partner organisations
• Ensure Business/Service Continuity Management processes are in place to maintain a reasonable level of service for the district no matter what disruptions are faced.  Advise local businesses on the same.
• Test and exercise emergency plans.
• Provide the public with information and advice before and during an incident.

The Civil Contingencies Act 2004 defines an 'emergency' as:

• An event or situation which threatens serious damage to human welfare in the UK
• An event or situation which threatens serious damage to the environment in the UK
• War, or terrorism, which threatens serious damage to security in the UK

Further information on the Civil Contingencies Act can be found on the UK Resilience web site using the following link:

• A Short Guide to The Civil Contingencies Act 2004