This section outlines the civil protection duties that all Local Authorities require to comply with and outlines the coordinated approach being taken within Cumbria.
Local Authority Duties
The Civil Contingencies Act (2004) outlines the roles and responsibilities for those involved in emergency preparation and response at the local level.
Those organisations at the core of the response to most emergencies including Local Authorities are subject to the full set of civil protection duties. They will be required to:
- Assess the risk of emergencies occurring and use this to inform contingency 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;
- Co-operate with other local responders to enhance co-ordination and efficiency; and
- Provide advice and assistance to businesses and voluntary organisations about business continuity management (Local Authorities only).
A Partnership Agreement exists between Cumbria County Council Emergency Planning Unit and all six District Councils to ensure full compliance with all of their Civil Protection duties. This approach ensures a high degree of coordination, cooperation and standardisation across all District Councils.
