Decision details
Declaration of a Major Incident in accordance with the 2004 Civil Contingencies Act and B&NES Constitution Part 4G Rule 5
Decision Maker: Chief Executive
Decision status: Approved
Is Key decision?: No
Is subject to call in?: No
Purpose:
Constitution Part 4G rule 5 sets out the rule
on Emergency arrangements during the Major Incident, which
are:
“The Chief Executive is authorised to undertake any action
s/he considers appropriate to address situations where it is
neither practicable not possible to effect the Council’s
normal procedures or arrangements for either executive or
non-executive business.
The action taken will be recorded and reported to the first
available meeting of the Council or relevant other
body.”
By doing this, the Council is able to formally request assistance
from other public sector agencies and can register its intention to
seek financial assistance as the impact of the incident becomes
clear.
Decision:
The Chief Executive has formally declared a
Major Incident in accordance with the 2004 Civil Contingencies Act
in order to enable him to respond rapidly to any emergency
arrangements arising as a result of the Covid-19 crisis. The Chief
Executive took this step after consultation with the Council
Leader.
Alternative options considered:
To not take this option could compromise the
Council’s ability to take urgent steps to preserve critical
services, safeguard the public, and ensure our most vulnerable
residents are supported.
Publication date: 06/04/2020
Date of decision: 23/03/2020