Decision ref
0059 2025/26
Decision date
11/12/2025
Portfolio
Governance
Wards
All wards
Title
Sheltering Evacuees Plan
Summary
To approve the new Sheltering Evacuees Plan to replace the existing Rest Centre Plan
Purpose
The report details the differences between the existing arrangements and the new Plan, and the roles and responsibilities that must be undertaken if the Plan is activated.
The Plan is comprehensive and aligns to current best practice and current government guidelines.
It makes provisions for the maintenance and operation of temporary accommodation centres to shelter and support members of the public and/or uninjured survivors of incidents and emergencies. While the Council has a statutory responsibility for housing of the homeless in St Helens, this is met under a distinct set of duties and plans outside the scope of this document.
Background
Evacuation is the process of moving people and other living creatures (where appropriate) away from potential or actual danger to a safer place; whereas shelter is a place where evacuees can stay and receive support (Cabinet Office 2013).
Evacuations may occur in anticipation of, during, or after an incident or emergency, requiring the Council to provide temporary accommodation to members of the public and/or uninjured survivors. While some incidents only necessitate the provision of short-term shelter for up to 72 hours, certain types of incidents may require the Council to provide medium-term shelter for days or weeks.
Conclusion
To ensure, in the event of an incident or emergency requiring evacuation, the Council must be well prepared to provide a safe place of shelter. The Plan provides the detailed processes necessary to do that, and aligns with other emergency plans and protocols.
Risk Implications
Emergency preparedness is a strategic risk, and through gradual revision of policies and plans including this one, and provision of training and exercise experience for staff on the Duty Rota, the Council is mitigating this risk to within reasonable tolerance. Expert opinion in the field of emergency planning, and backed up by risks on the regional and UK - Community Risk Register, the likelihood of major events like flooding and other severe weather events is increasing.
Measures to Redress Risk
The Council's Senior Resilience Officer is working through a Resilience Action Plan which has two key phases - Preparedness and Response, and Validation and Business Continuity. Ensuring clear and effective rest centre arrangements is part of Phase One activity, and the approval of this plan and associated measures and training, will significantly increase capability.
Declarations Of Interest
None
Equality Impact Assessment
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More information
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