Councils call for funding, guidance and notice ahead of introduction of Martyn’s Law
The Local Government Association (LGA) has said the Government must ensure funding is made available for the successful implementation of a new law which requires venues to take steps to protect the public from terror attacks.
Under the 'Protect Duty', to be known as Martyn's Law in tribute to one of the victims of the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, venues will have to improve public safety, with measures dependent on the size of the venue and the activity taking place.
Locations with a maximum capacity of over 100 will be required to have trained staff, conduct information sharing and complete a preparedness plan to embed practices, such as locking doors to delay an attacker's progress or knowledge on lifesaving treatments that can be administered by staff whilst awaiting emergency services.
The law will include an 'enhanced tier' for venues with a capacity of over 800. These locations will additionally be required to undertake a risk assessment to inform the development and implementation of a thorough security plan.
To support the law, the Government said it would establish an inspection and enforcement regime, promoting compliance and positive cultural change and issuing credible and fair sanctions for serious breaches.
Alongside this, the Government also plans to provide dedicated statutory guidance and "bespoke" support for venues.
Responding to the announcement of the new law, Cllr Nesil Caliskan, Chair of the LGA's Safer & Stronger Communities Board, said: "Councils working with their partners already carry out considerable work to protect and keep communities safe."
She added that the Government "must now ensure that funding is made available to respond to the significant resource and capacity requirements needed to successfully implement the law.
"There should also be sufficient lead-in time, and guidance provided ahead of the legislation coming into force so that councils and others understand their new obligations and can prepare accordingly."
Cllr Caliskan also called on the Government to provide clarity around how the new duty will be enforced.
The Government plans to publish draft legislation for the law in early Spring 2023.
Adam Carey
