Civil contingency planning in government

This article discusses the main features of arrangements for civil contingency planning in the UK. Using a variety of documentary sources, it identifies the key actors and institutions involved in this area and the related reform processes which have taken place over the past two years. Attention is focused on the reorganisation of contingency capabilities at the heart of government in Whitehall and the ongoing reappraisal of legislation underpinning emergency planning across the country at large, as well as debates stemming from heightened media and parliamentary scrutiny following September 11.