Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what support his Department is providing to Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service following the recent HMICERS report.

The government follows His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) inspection reports closely, and thanks the Inspectorate for its recent report on Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (FRS).

As with all Fire and Rescue Services, we stand ready to support Bedfordshire FRS in addressing the recommendations made by HMICFRS, including working with the Inspectorate and fire sector leaders to determine any assistance that could aid the service in the delivery of the required improvements.

The Department will continue to work closely with all FRSs, including Bedfordshire, to ensure they have the resources they need to protect their communities and look after their people.