Overview

The Defibrillators (Availability) Bill aims to increase the availability of defibrillators in public places across England and Wales, particularly in educational establishments and council areas. It mandates their provision, outlines guidance for installation and use, and encourages public awareness campaigns.

Description

This bill places a duty on Health and Wellbeing Boards to promote the comprehensive provision of publicly accessible defibrillators. This includes assessing needs, advising on locations, identifying funding sources, providing training guidance, and creating a public register of defibrillators. The Secretary of State is responsible for issuing guidance on provision, targets, siting, signage, and training. The bill mandates that all educational establishments and town/parish councils must provide at least one defibrillator by April 1st, 2020, adhering to installation, maintenance, and signage requirements. Finally, the Secretary of State must issue planning guidance by April 1st, 2018, advising on the inclusion of defibrillators in the planning permission for new or renovated educational establishments.

Government Spending

The bill states that any expenditure incurred by the Secretary of State under this Act, and any increase in sums payable under other Acts attributable to this Act, will be paid out of money provided by Parliament. No specific figures are provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Health and Wellbeing Boards: Responsible for promoting defibrillator provision and providing related guidance.
• Educational Establishments: Required to provide and maintain at least one defibrillator by April 1st, 2020.
• Town, Parish, Community, and Neighbourhood Councils: Required to provide at least one defibrillator by April 1st, 2020.
• Planning Authorities: Will receive guidance on including defibrillators in planning permission for educational establishments.
• The Public: Will benefit from increased access to potentially life-saving defibrillators.
• Secretary of State: Responsible for issuing guidance and overseeing the implementation of the bill.

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