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Last updated: 11 January 2010
CAB/001/10
11 January 2010
It is only by working together effectively that local authorities and central government can ensure that we are well prepared for emergencies, Cabinet Office Minister Tessa Jowell said today.
Speaking at the Local Government Association Emergency Planning Annual Conference in Stratford-Upon-Avon she said:
Cabinet Office Press Office“The severe weather of the past few week - the worst we have experience for nearly 30 years – has demonstrated how crucial that close working relationship is. The Government Salt Cell set up last week is a key example of this co-ordination.
“This collaborative task force, brings together Central Government, the Local Government Association, the Met Office, the Devolved Administrations and Transport for London, all working to advise salt suppliers on how best to distribute salt.
“These extreme conditions continue to affect our transport and energy networks, as well as public services including schools and hospitals. Many hundreds of thousands of people – including a very large number in local government – have worked tirelessly across the country to keep Britain moving in these extreme conditions.
“The Government has recognised the value of the contribution that working together makes to communities and this is why we continue to develop our work to build and enhance community resilience across the UK as was highlighted in the Government's National Security Strategy.”
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