Officials have spent more than £100,000 on planning for civil emergencies, according to government figures.

Data from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government shows Swale council forked out £114,000 between last April and December to prepare for major incidents.

During the same period in 2013, the council spent £82,072, after the figures were adjusted for inflation, representing a 39% increase in real terms.

According to the council’s website, major incidents and emergencies include flooding, fire, high winds, heavy snow and extreme cold, heatwaves, infectious diseases, loss of power and security incidents.

Events include preparing for cases where people will need to be evacuated from their homes.

Officers work with voluntary groups, emergency services and utility companies to work out how best to respond. Staff are also trained in how to put the plans in action.

The authority also helps to prepare communities by signposting people to resources and risks they might need to be aware of and preparing information.

Officials also work out how best to keep vital council services going and raising awareness about what businesses can do to run normally as soon as possible after the emergency.

But it is believed some of the cash was also spent mitigating risks of a no-deal exit from the EU.

Cllr Simon Blackburn, of the Local Government Association, said: “It is helpful that councils have received some government funding to support planning work for the impacts of a no-deal exit.

“However, there remain gaps in the information and advice that councils need, and in some places the resources provided do not cover the costs that are being incurred.”

'Councils are still very well equipped to deal with any emergencies' - Jacqui Semple

A professional group says councils are ready for a range of scenarios.

Chairman of the Emergency Planning Society, Jacqui Semple, said: “Funding restrictions have hit all public services, and there is no doubt emergency planning has seen a reduction of its budget in recent years.

“But while it is frustrating for staff, it has in no way diminished their preparedness and resilience.

“Councils are still very well equipped to deal with any emergencies.

“A lot of time and effort has been spent on preparing for Brexit over the past 18 months, including a lot of training, exercises and investment.”

The Government has released an extra £58 million to help councils prepare for Brexit.