Stronger measures to help protect public places from the threat of attack look set to go ahead, following a government consultation.
The majority of 2,755 responses to the consultation on a new Protect Duty supported the Government’s proposals, which include a legal requirement for some public places to ensure preparedness for, and protection from, terrorist attacks.
There is currently no requirement for security measures at most public spaces. The consultation was launched in response to the Manchester Arena bombing in May 2017 and more recent lower-level terror attacks.
Cllr Nesil Caliskan, Chair of the LGA’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, said: “Local authorities take threats from terrorism extremely seriously and work hard to keep their communities safe.
“Introducing a new Protect Duty will require significant resource and capacity to ensure that those within its scope are aware of their responsibilities, and comply.
“This must be supported by full funding and time to allow for communication, preparation, guidance and training, and recruitment of specialised staff before implementation can begin. It is also vital that measures to increase security sit alongside continued investment in prevention programmes that stop people being drawn into terrorism.
“The new duty will also need to take a risk-based approach to introducing new measures that does not allow terrorism to disrupt normal life and inhibit our freedoms to enjoy the places and spaces that are a critical and much-loved part of local communities.”