06/12/2004

Fire prevention at the heart of new national framework

The Government's commitment to reducing fire deaths and deliberate fires through placing a greater emphasis on fire prevention was underlined today with the publication of the 2005/06 Fire and Rescue Service National Framework.

The National Framework sets out the Government's expectations for the Fire and Rescue Service; what Fire and Rescue Authorities are expected to do; and what support Government will provide.

Fire and Rescue Service Minister Nick Raynsford said: "The Fire and Rescue Service is changing for the better - better for the communities it serves and better for those working in it.

"We have ambitious targets to drive down accidental deaths and deliberate fires. By 2010 we aim to have reduced the number of accidental fire-related deaths in the home by 20% and deliberate fires by 10%. To achieve these we need to ensure that all fire and rescue authorities are operating to their best across the full range of their responsibilities and are delivering real value for money for our communities.

"The national framework sets out how, working in partnership with fire and rescue authorities and their staff, we can achieve these aims."

The 2005/06 National Framework takes account of progress achieved on modernisation covering keys areas including Integrated Risk Management Plans (IRMPs); Resilience and New Dimension; the establishment of regional management boards and regional control centres; and equality and diversity issues.

The 2005/06 National Framework will be given statutory effect by order of Parliament under Section 21(6) of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004.

The expectations set out in the National Framework will also be central to the Audit Commission's Comprehensive Performance Assessment of Fire and Rescue Authorities.

(GB/MB)

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