Decision details

This report provides an annual update in respect of the work that has been undertaken by the Council to enable it to effectively respond to emergencies. It highlights the arrangements that are in place, the training and exercises that have been undertaken to test our emergency planning arrangements as well as reference to some of the incidents that the Council has responded to. The annual report is provided as a source of information and evidence to demonstrate that the Council are satisfying its responsibilities and duties under the requirements of the Civil Contingencies Act.

The Civil Contingencies Act has considerable implications for local authorities as it means that civil protection and resilience is a statutory responsibility for all local authorities. The Council has a recognised role in responding to emergency situations and supporting the emergency services and the Council’s Emergency Plan sets out how the Council will respond to and support the emergency services in the event of an emergency incident. 

Similar to other district councils in Hampshire, the Council has entered into a Service Level Agreement with Hampshire County Council (HCC) to undertake some or all of these responsibilities that enable the Council to meet its statutory duties.  This agreement was renewed in April 2012 for a further three years.

Over the last 12 months the emergency response capability of Fareham Borough Council has further improved.  This has been achieved through the provision of a comprehensive training schedule put in place in conjunction with the HCC Emergency Planning Unit and through the work on the continual development and enhancement of the Council`s Emergency Response Plan and the associated arrangements and procedures to meet its statutory responsibilities.

The work undertaken by Council officers in conjunction with officers from HCC Emergency Planning Unit, in reviewing and developing arrangements in order to provide an effective response to an emergency, together with the comprehensive training that has been provided, continues to provide a solid base from which the Council can provide an effective emergency response.

To maintain the standard of response at a good level, a programme of continued training and exercising is in place.  This report provides an update for members on the progress that has been made by the Council in meeting its emergency planning responsibilities and the work that continues to be undertaken in conjunction with Hampshire County Council for the delivery of civil protection duties.

RESOLVED that the Executive agrees that this report be used as a record and update of the work that has and will continue to be undertaken to enhance the Council's emergency response capability and to satisfy the requirements of the Civil Contingencies Act 2004.