The Civil Contingencies Bill was enacted and became operative in November 2004. Regulations and guidance followed in early 2005.

The aim of the Act is "to provide a lasting and flexible basis for enhancing UK resilience so work is focusing on a long term structure". 

Organisations are categorised into two groups.  The first group will be those with a clear leadership, planning and response role (such as local authorities and the emergency services) with others being placed in the second group.  

The Act also establishes formal multi agency groups at local level, based on Police areas, to improve consistency and coordination (see joint working on this website).  Such a group has been in existence in West Yorkshire since 1990 and it has proved to be very successful.  The Act also makes formal provision for the establishment of Regional Resilience Forums, the one for Yorkshire and Humber having already been established in advance. 

Government Offices provide the support services and, during incidents, would assist with coordination between agencies but would not have a response role.  

Full details of the Act can be found on the UK Resilience website (see 'Features').