In a joint statement, Mary Pitcaithly OBE, Chair of SOLACE (Society of Local Authority Chief Executives) and Chief Constable Patrick Shearer, President ACPOS (Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland) said in response to the Audit Scotland Report 'Improving Civil Contingencies Planning' published today Thursday 6th August:

 

"We welcome the report and will be studying it in detail to ensure that all recommendations and learning points are responded to quickly and effectively. In particular we are pleased that there is recognition that key partners are working well together to ensure effective arrangements are in place to plan for, respond and recover from emergencies and to ensure that services can continue in the event of disruption.

 

We are facing a wide range of challenges in the coming months, not least the continuing issues around pandemic influenza, and it is important that all of the key partners in the public and private sectors continue to work closely together to protect both the services they provide and the communities they serve.

 

"Close working on the pandemic influenza outbreak continues on a daily basis and is clear evidence of the way in which partners such as local authorities, emergency services and government can work together effectively."

 

6^th August 2009