Martyn’s Law – What Local Councils Need to Know

Progress of the Bill

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill (Martyn’s Law) continues its journey through Parliament and is now at the House of Lords Committee Stage. The latest cross-sector Martyn’s Law Steering Group meeting, held at NALC’s offices on 4 February 2025, confirmed that the 200-person capacity threshold remains unchanged, meaning smaller venues are still excluded from the Bill. However, in light of recent incidents, local councils managing smaller venues are encouraged to adopt the principles of the legislation voluntarily.

What This Means for Local Councils

Even if your council owns or manages premises with a capacity below 200, you should consider discussing at a full council meeting whether to opt into the legislation's provisions. This could involve carrying out risk assessments, implementing emergency procedures, and providing staff and volunteer training on terrorism awareness and response.

NALC is working closely with Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) to develop sector-specific guidance to help councils understand and comply with the legislation. The first drafts of guidance and templates are expected by late March 2025.

Key Lobbying Points and Concerns

NALC, alongside the Steering Group, is pushing for:

✅ Exclusion of venues under 200-person capacity to remain in the Bill.

✅ Funding and support for councils to cover compliance costs, which could run into millions.

✅ Guidance on insurance implications, as some councils are struggling to secure coverage.

✅ Clarity on liability for venues that double as places of worship.

✅ Tailored training and resources for councils with unstaffed buildings.

Next Steps for Local Councils

Local councils should stay informed and start considering how they might implement terrorism preparedness measures. As sector-specific guidance emerges, we will update members with practical steps and templates to assist in compliance.