Recommendation 14

HM Government Deferred

The Government’s recognises the Committee’s interest in whether a formal designation mechanism could strengthen cross-government coordination for events that may present exceptional public safety, security or public order challenges, or be particularly sensitive. The safe delivery of major football fixtures is currently primarily a matter for local authorities, policing and event organisers, and, as was the situation for the Aston Villa v Maccabi Tel Aviv match, it is essential to respect the operational independence of the police and the statutory responsibilities of local safety regulators. However, recent events have highlighted the need to examine whether national-level support and coordination could be improved in cases where risks extend beyond the local footprint or where wider community impacts or sensitivities require a more joined-up response. As the Committee notes, Baroness Casey’s independent review following the Euro 2020 Final recommended that the Government consider whether a clearer framework is required for identifying and managing events of national significance, including whether central government should have a more defined role in such cases. As you know, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Services is currently inspecting how police forces contribute to Safety Advisory Groups and is expected to provide further insight into whether existing arrangements adequately support decision-making for events that are particularly sensitive or high-risk, but it has not made any recommendations at this stage. Officials are working across departments, drawing together expertise from the Home Office, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Cabinet Office, the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government and policing partners, to consider whether there should be a role for central government in particular circumstances and what those circumstances should be. This includes assessing whether a clear designation process could: • improve early identification of high-risk matches or other events; • enable more consistent cross-government coordination; and • provide a firmer basis for national-level advice, assurance or intervention where appropriate. • confirm that any necessary engagement with all relevant community and interest groups has taken place. This work is actively being progressed with officials developing options to test with policing, local authorities and event organisers to ensure any proposals are proportionate, workable, and grounded in existing statutory responsibilities. However, given HMICFRS is expected to report shortly, we will take account of its findings before finalising proposals or setting out next steps. The UK Resilience Academy’s review of Safety Advisory Group guidance is an important related workstream, aimed at strengthening the clarity, governance and consistency of Safety Advisory Group processes. While it does not address the Committee’s specific recommendation on designating events of national significance, its outputs will support a more robust foundation for any future cross-government deliberations in this area.