Issue - meetings

(CPT:07)

Purpose: To update Members about National and Local Civil Contingencies issues over 2010/11.

Resolved that:

(1)               the contents of the report be noted;

(2)               the continued format of self assessment reporting for 2011/12 be approved;

(3)               continued support by all services be encouraged to ensure that the Council’s plans are up-to-date and fit for purpose;

(4)               support for the training and exercise programme be approved and confirmed.

This decision is eligible to be ‘called-in’.  However, if the decision has not been ‘called-in’ by 5.00pm on 29 July 2011, then it will be implemented.

The Executive considered a report (Agenda Item 6) concerning National and Local Civil Contingencies issues which had occurred during 2010/11.

Councillor Anthony Stansfeld introduced the report by advising that 2010/11 had been an eventful year in Civil Contingencies terms. He then went on to praise the work of the very competent Officer leading on this work and pointed out that the Civil Contingencies Team was in fact made up of only this Officer. This made the job even more remarkable when considering the many areas covered.

Councillor Stansfeld pointed out an amendment to the report. The self assessment rating for Planning and Countryside and Finance should be shown as Green.

The majority of the action plan had been achieved, although a lack of resources did have an impact in achieving some actions. Those areas not achieved had been included and prioritised within the plan for 2011/12 and some had already been fulfilled.

Councillor Pamela Bale advised that the Civil Contingencies principles were being rolled out across many parishes to help raise awareness.

Councillor Keith Woodhams referred to the comment in the report that in addition to the adverse weather plan there was more work ongoing in relation to the A34. Councillor Woodhams queried why this was not being covered by the Highways Agency. Nick Carter explained that this in fact related to the work of the Thames Valley Local Resilience Forum.

Councillor Alan Macro noted that two Acetylene Gas Cylinder fires had occurred during the past year and questioned whether representations could be made to the Government to restrict their usage. Councillor Stansfeld advised that restrictions were hard to enforce as usage of these cylinders was difficult to evidence. He did however accept it was an issue which brought additional complications in the event of a fire. Councillor Stansfeld did add that court proceedings could be brought if evidence of negligence was obtained.

Councillor Tony Vickers asked if recruitment was planned to help support the work of the action plan and Nick Carter advised that some part time assistance was being provided by a Policy Officer. Councillor Stansfeld added that the recent staffing reductions had taken a greater toll on the Chief Executive’s Directorate than on some of the other Directorates.

RESOLVED that:

(1)               The contents of the report be noted;

(2)               The continued format of self assessment reporting for 2011/12 be approved;

(3)               Continued support by all services to ensure that the Council’s plans were up to date and fit for purpose should be encouraged;

(4)               Support for the training and exercise programme be approved.

Reason for the decision: To ensure the improvement in the Service and the Council’s response to any major incident and continued awareness.

Other options considered: None.