The Civil Contingencies Act 2004 is a body of UK legislation aimed at establishing a new legislative framework for civil protection in the United Kingdom. It imposes a clear set of roles and responsibilities on those organisations and authorities with a role to play in preparing for and responding (known as first responders) to emergencies. Local authorities are a Category 1 responder under the Act, and have a key role to play in respect in discharging their duties within the context of the legislation.
