The launch was announced at the International Security Expo by Jon Savell, Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Specialist Operations and Senior National Coordinator for Protect and Prepare.
Run by the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO), ACT for Local Authorities uses CTP’s regional network of Counter Terrorism Security Advisers and Prepare Officers to enhance the capabilities of local authorities in delivering the Protect and Prepare elements of the national counter terrorism strategy. It promotes the collective responsibility of protective security within local authorities and their partners. The complexities of protective security across all venues and public spaces require collaboration and partnership, and Counter Terrorism Policing has identified local authorities as critical in achieving better outcomes, as they own or have influence over most public spaces.
Five areas of local authority business have been identified as priorities for this work:
- Planning and development
- Licensing
- Community safety
- Transport and highways
- Emergency planning
These are areas where improved guidance could have the greatest impact, where governance is significant, and where statutory responsibilities reside locally.
Since 2020, Counter Terrorism Policing has been reviewing its Protect and Prepare delivery. While terrorism remains an enduring threat, the targeting and methodology used continue to evolve. This demands that protective security and preparedness must adapt to keep pace. Recent changes in terrorist methodologies show a dominance of individuals acting without direction or material support from organised groups. Attacks have featured simple, accessible methods, vehicles as weapons, homemade explosives, and bladed weapons.
Terrorists have targeted a wide range of people and places in recent years. It is not always possible to predict where in the UK an attack might happen, or the type of premises or events that could be impacted. The threat has increasingly shifted to public spaces like high streets, markets, and areas immediately outside busy venues. These spaces are typically public land, under local authority ownership, operation or influence.
While separate from the legislative Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, ACT for Local Authorities complements it by focusing on public spaces without events or qualifying activities, ensuring comprehensive consideration of terrorism-related risks.
The Local Approach is not about adding burdens on local authorities but about CTP delivering a supportive, consistent service. This ensures local authorities have access to specialist counter terrorism information, guidance, advice, and subject matter experts, enabling them to holistically identify and mitigate terrorist risks across their areas.
Sitting alongside Counter Terrorism Policing’s suite of ‘ACT for’ products, ACT for Local Authorities aims to standardise the service that CTP Protect and Prepare offers, including direct access to specialist Counter Terrorism Security Advisers and authoritative guidance material.
Local authorities can access the resources – including toolkits and videos for each of the five priority areas – at ProtectUK ACT for Local Authorities to support their consideration and understanding of terrorist risks, protective security and preparedness.
