The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (Robert Neill)
I have today published the outcomes of the first phase of a process which has the power to determine the future shape and direction of England’s fire and rescue service and the wider fire sector. This work, known as “Fire Futures”, has been led by the sector and was launched in July by the Department for Communities and Local Government.
The scope of the review was determined by the sector and structured around four sector led work streams: localism and accountability; efficiency, effectiveness and productivity; role of the fire and rescue service; and national interests. It reported to me yesterday and I have placed copies of the reports in the Library of the House.
At a time of tough spending choices, it has never been so important to be open to change, to new ideas and ways of working, so that we can prioritise resources to support our front-line services.
Now we will consider options emerging from this work to take forward, based on principles of localism, decentralisation, transparency and value for taxpayers’ money. Fire and rescue services are already trusted local partners with a vital community role and are therefore best placed to lead this change.
I am grateful to individuals and organisations from the sector for showing such commitment to this process and taking part in a constructive dialogue which I am confident will now continue as I seek reactions to the reports while I decide which options to take forward. The Government will report back by March 2011.