As the UK prepares for the implementation of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act, commonly known as Martyn’s Law, new data analysis from Heald Ltd highlights practical implementation challenges.

A widespread “wait and see” approach across local authorities is creating potential procurement and installation bottlenecks, which could lead to inevitable delays in securing public spaces.

Findings from a recent Freedom of Information (FOI) campaign conducted by Heald Ltd highlight that 67.6% of responding UK local authorities do not expect to assign a budget for Martyn’s Law within the next six months.

Many authorities explicitly state that they are withholding budget allocations until the Home Office and the Security Industry Authority (SIA) publish final statutory guidance and enforcement frameworks.

While this cautious approach is understandable given the evolving guidance, Heald Ltd recommends local authority teams and venue operators begin to gather the insights needed around their responsibilities now to build strong internal business cases and secure timely funding support.

Practical bottlenecks

“By holding back risk assessments and budget requests until formal guidance arrives, teams risk encountering severe practical bottlenecks down the line,” says Debbie Heald MBE, co-owner and Managing Director at Heald Ltd.

“Once final frameworks are released, we expect a major surge in demand for specialist security consultations and physical infrastructure.

“By starting early and securing internal alignment now, local authority teams can avoid being caught in manufacturing and installation queues, ensuring protective measures are seamlessly integrated well ahead of deadlines.”

The FOI data underlines the scale of the challenge: while 61.5% of councils have begun some level of internal planning, only 7.4% have allocated dedicated capital budgets for compliance to date.

Financial hesitation

This financial hesitation, coupled with the need for specialised physical security infrastructure, suggests that the market for protective measures will struggle to keep pace with a sudden, localised spike in demand.

Heald Ltd is encouraging public and private sector stakeholders to take a proactive approach to their security planning.

Understanding that compliance with Martyn’s Law is not a black-and-white checklist, and that HVM forms just one part of a comprehensive safety strategy. 

“Security cannot be an afterthought once the guidance is published; it must be an integrated, foundational element of operational strategy,” adds Heald.

“Heald Ltd is currently working with partners to conduct pre-emptive risk assessments, helping them understand their obligations and prepare their infrastructure now.

“Being ahead of the curve is not just about compliance; it is about ensuring that the safety of our public spaces remains a priority, not a rushed reaction to a legislative deadline.”

For organisations seeking to secure internal funding support and navigate practical implementation challenges, Heald Ltd offers expert consultation on integrating physical HVM measures into overall Martyn’s Law security strategies before final regulatory frameworks are enacted.