Civil Contingencies Bill
Charity Logistics strongly welcomes the proposal to amend Clause four of the Civil Contingencies Bill to extend business continuity advice to voluntary organisations.
The amendment will enhance the preparedness of voluntary organisations and strengthen community resilience.
Government Response: Cabinet Office
A Cabinet Office spokesperson said: "Voluntary organisations play a critical role in local civil protection arrangements and deliver a wide range of services crucial to the effective functioning of communities. The government has listened carefully to the voluntary sector and as a result local authorities will now be required to provide business continuity advice and assistance to voluntary bodies in their area. Business continuity advice to the voluntary sector will build community resilience and help minimise the impact of an emergency."
Stakeholder Response: Charity Logistics
"We welcome the willingness of the government to listen to our concerns and to engage our expertise. Now we want to urge peers to support and endorse this amendment at report stage. We do not believe that local authorities should be prohibited from levying a charge for providing advice and assistance where this is appropriate.
"If, for example, a voluntary organisation requests specific detailed advice and assistance, perhaps in developing and exercising business continuity plans – then they should be willing to pay for it. We are closely engaged in the work to develop supporting regulations and guidance in support of the Bill. These will be crucial in helping local authorities to deliver effective advice to voluntary organisations."
Stakeholder Response: Charities Aid Foundation
Stakeholder Response: Charity Commission
Rosie Chapman, director of policy and strategy at the Charity Commission, said: "Charities play a vital part in virtually all areas of civil life. We are pleased the amendment to the Bill has taken their representations on board and recognised this."
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