Introduction
The Council has certain responsibilities and powers in relation to major civil emergencies, accidents and hazards under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004.
Civil Contingencies Act 2004
Following the fuel crisis and the severe flooding in the autumn and winter of 2000 and the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in 2001, the Deputy Prime Minister announced a review of emergency planning arrangements. The review concluded that existing legislation no longer provided an adequate framework for modern civil protection efforts and that new legislation was needed.
Who Is Responsible Under The Act?
The Act breaks down the main agencies involved with emergency response into two categories, Category 1 and 2 responders. Local authorities at both County and district level are classed as category 1 responders and as such certain responsibilities fall on them.
- Risk Assessment
- Emergency planning
- Warning and Informing
- Business Continuity
- Sharing and co-operating with all other agencies
- Promoting business continuity to small and medium businesses
Find out more about the elements of the Civil Contingencies Act.
