Emergency plans come under fire

Last week, the Evening Press revealed the government grant handed to City of York Council had been frozen - only 12 months after a rise of only £386.

North Yorkshire County Council also had its grants frozen by the Cabinet Office.

The local authorities are being given new powers under the Civil Contingencies Bill to act in the face of major incidents.

But the powers will be no use without more money, according to Patrick Cunningham, President of the Emergency Planning Society - which represents councils and emergency services.

He said: "As things stand we are not 100 per cent prepared by any means to deal with a Madrid-type disaster.

"Probably the main reason for that is that funding for local authorities' emergency planning has fallen from £24.5 million in 1991 to £19 million in the present day.

"That reduction has occurred despite the fact that in that time we have had to deal with the fuel crisis, foot-and-mouth, widespread flooding, train crashes and now, of course, we have this increased probability of some act of terrorism."

Robin Myshrall, head of emergency planning for North Yorkshire County Council, said he had a "major problem" with the low level of funding.

He said last week's tragedy in Madrid had been a reminder of the responsibilities emergency planners have, and that the department, which also provides advice for district councils, "desperately" needed more cash.

Graeme Findlay, emergency planning officer for City of York Council, said there had been no significant increases in funding for his department for three years.

He said: "The Cabinet Office has conducted research into the cost of implementing the Bill for companies in the private sector, but not for local authorities who have much greater responsibility under the Bill.

The total grant paid to North Yorkshire County Council was awarded £244,523. City of York Council's grant was £72,220.

Updated: 09:14 Wednesday, March 17, 2004