12.— (1) Each local authority shall, not later than 12 months after the dissolution day, prepare and submit to the Minister a plan (in this section referred to as a “civil defence plan”) in accordance with this section.

(2) A local authority shall, in the preparation of a civil defence plan, have regard to the need to ensure the most beneficial, effective and efficient use of resources in the implementation of the key objectives and strategies specified in the plan.

(3) A civil defence plan shall—

(a) specify the key objectives and related strategies (including strategies relating to the use of resources) of a local authority with regard to—

(i) its functions relating to civil defence,

(ii) the recruitment of persons for the performance of civil defence tasks, and

(iii) the education and training of civil defence members,

(b) be prepared in such form and manner as the Minister may determine, and

(c) make provision in relation to any other matters that the Minister may from time to time specify.

(4) Each local authority shall review and, where it considers it appropriate, revise its civil defence plan—

(a) not later than 3 years, or such other period as may be determined by the Minister, after the preparation and submission to the Minister of that plan, and

(b) not later than 3 years, or such other period as may be determined by the Minister, after the completion of its most recent review of that plan under this subsection.

(5) Where a local authority revises its civil defence plan, it shall, as soon as may be after the plan’s revision, submit a copy of the plan as so revised to the Minister.