Civil Contingencies Act 2004
Background
The Civil Contingencies Act is a framework for all of the public organisations involved in planning for emergencies, setting out how they should work together to minimise risk to human or animal health and welfare, environment or property in the event of local and/or national emergencies. The Act was introduced in November 2005 after a major review by the Government, prompted by the fuel crisis and the severe floods of autumn and winter in 2000 when existing legislation was found to be inadequate.
Overview of the Act
The Act identifies which organisations are responsible for responding to major emergencies to meet the challenges of the 21st century. It includes new risks and threats that were not so relevant in the old legislation that dated back to 1920 such as terrorist attacks, contamination of land following a biological or chemical terrorist attack and loss of communications systems.
The organisations responsible for responding to emergencies are called ‘Category 1’ or ‘Category 2’ responders.
Category 1 Responders
All of the Category 1 responders are those at the centre of the emergency response – Police, Fire and Ambulance, the Maritime Coastguard Agency, Health, County/District Councils and the Environment Agency.
They all have equal responsibilities in the event of a major emergency. Their duties are to:
Assess local risks and use this to inform emergency planning.
Put in place emergency plans.
Put in place business continuity management arrangements.
Put in place 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 and efficiency; and
Provide advice and assistance to business and voluntary organisations about business continuity management (local authorities).
Category 2 Responders
Category 2 responders are the ‘co-operating responders’ who may not be at the core of the response but are heavily involved in responding to specific emergencies. These can include Gas, Electric, Water or Sewerage Companies, Transport Companies, Health Bodies and Government agencies such as the Health and Safety Executive.
Their duties are:
To share relevant information and
To co-operate with the other organisations.
Further information on the act can be found at:
http://www.ukresilience.info/upload/assets/www.ukresilience.info/15mayshortguide.pdf