Revise London Gold arrangements guidance
Events demonstrated, however, that there is a need for a clearer understanding of the nature of the London Gold arrangements, in particular in situations in which a single borough is affected. We therefore recommend that the guidance on the operation of those arrangements be revised and that existing and newly appointed chief executives be given regular training to ensure they are familiar with its principles. (113.70)
How was this assessed?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedThe government supports this recommendation made towards London local authorities and the London Local Authorities Regional Resilience Board. London's resilience structures are set out under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 and its statutory guidance, Emergency Preparedness. These require one strategic pan-London multiagency partnership as well as separate 'Borough Resilience Forum' partnerships for each London borough and the City of London. The London Local Authorities Regional Resilience Board supports London local authorities in undertaking their resilience responsibilities under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004. This includes ownership of the London Gold arrangements, which the Board has been working to reform since the Grenfell Tower tragedy. This has included updating London Gold operational procedures, publishing updated guidance for chief executives, proactive engagement from the Regional Resilience Board to local authorities on notification of an emergency incident, and development of a training programme for all London chief executives and other senior council officers on London Gold arrangements planned for delivery in 2025. A further review of London Gold procedures is planned this year to confirm they meet this Inquiry recommendation.
Progress Timeline
Updated London Local Authority Gold Operating procedures circulated 30 September 2025. Regional gold training began October 2025, with four courses planned through April 2026. The London Local Authority Concept of Operations update targets completion by 31 March 2026.