Agenda item

The Head of Housing and Health submitted a report setting out the key elements of the Council’s Emergency Plan and how the Council would react to a major incident.  The report set out work currently under review.  The Head of Housing and Health provided a summary of the report.

Councillor D Andrews commented that following the Grenfell Tower incident, he was not sure about Members’ roles and responsibilities in the wake of any such future emergency event.  He referred to the reliance on electricity and telephony and queried what would happen if all means of communication were “down”.  He cited by example, the constant difficulty he had in trying to get through to the Council’s own telephone systems.  He asked that more information be included in the Plan regarding Members’ roles and responsibilities.  Councillor Andrews referred to a “test” whereby evacuees were sent to the Sports Centre, Wodson Park, Ware.  He agreed that although lessons had been learned from the exercise, many issues had not been thought through properly, e.g., the absence of food for the volunteers, etc.

The Head of Housing and Health explained how emergencies were classified and how volunteers were issued with credit cards to buy things and “Grab Bags” and emergency power connections and the various categories of emergencies.  He explained that alternative incident rooms (rather than Wallfields) were being investigated.

In response to a query from Councillors A Alder and P Boylan, the Head of Housing and Health explained that Town and Parish Councils were involved in the development of an Emergency Plan and the role of Hertfordshire County Council in working across boundaries.   Assurances were provided by the Head of Service regarding competency training for Officers generally and that Officers who were included on the duty rota received appropriate training.

Councillor D Oldridge queried whether the Council could take a proactive approach in getting email addresses from all residents in order to disseminate information.  It was noted that the Council could collate email addresses as part of the electoral process but that Data Protection legislation might preclude the Council from using this information.  The Head of Housing and Health stressed the need for the Council to co-ordinate with appropriate agencies.

Councillor P Ruffles raised the issue of terrorism and stated that radicalisation was happening in outlying areas.  He urged the prevention of working in “silos” and to work with a cross agenda approach.  The Head of Housing and Health explained that his role enabled him to take a cross partnership approach and that he was in regular contact with the Police.  He explained his role in terms of pro-activity and in helping develop continuity of management.

Councillor S Cousins referred to the issue of “swallow holes” and urged the Council to ensure that it had a list of current specialist contractors to call on in any emergency.

Councillor P Boylan emphasised the issue of a clear lines of communication (“not tweeting”) and of the expectation of clear guidelines in the event of a major incident.  Councillor D Andrews reminded Members that communication and IT could be viewed as a potential target and that the Police could turn off mobile networks if necessary.  The Head of Housing and Health stated that the Council had a priority SIM card system should anything happen.

The Committee supported the remit of review so far and asked Officers to report back with a revised version of the Emergency Plan. 

The Committee Chairman suggested that recommendation (A) be amended slightly to acknowledge that the review was underway and that Officers would report back with a revised version of the Emergency Plan.  This was supported. 

RESOLVED – that (A) Members acknowledge the review currently underway and request Officers to submit a revised version of the Emergency Plan for further consideration by Members;

(B)   the issues for consideration as detailed in paragraph 3.3 of the report be endorsed as part of the review of the Plan; and

(C)   any additional proposed issues identified be forwarded to the Head of Housing and Health for future consideration by Members.