The 999-call handling system will see improvements after last summer's disruption caused by a technical fault.

The fault was the first of its kind in nearly a century.

A notification system between BT, the emergency services and Government has been put in place to ensure ambulance trusts and police forces can rapidly enact a coordinated response.

In the event of a future incident, the Government will issue public advice on reaching emergency services.

It comes as the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has published a review into last July's incident.

It has established six recommendations to bolster the system.

Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Michelle Donelan said: "We are determined to prevent history from repeating itself, with public safety being absolutely paramount.

"We are working with BT to establish enhanced resilience measures."

All recommendations will be implemented by the end of April.