Mark Whitehead 21 June 2019

Localism has led to ‘wide differences’ in fire service standards, inspectors warn

A 'decade of localism' has led to wide differences in standards of fire services, inspectors have warned.

HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services said most services are good at responding to emergencies and are rightly focused on prevention activities.

But, the inspectorate warned, there is too much variation in how well the public are protected, how quickly emergencies are responded to and how well services look after their staff.

The report found that some services have faced 'significant' funding reductions, hampering the service they provide the public.

It highlighted a 'serious gap' in Manchester – scene of an attack at a pop concert two years ago in which 23 people died – in responding to terrorist incidents because it has to rely on specialist firefighters travelling from Merseyside.

Local government leaders said they supported the report’s call for the Home Office to consider resourcing issues.

HM Inspector of Fire and Rescue Services Zoë Billingham said: 'We are pleased that fire and rescue services show real strengths in training for and responding to emergencies – this work undoubtedly saves many lives.

‘However, it is concerning that there is too much variation in how fire and rescue services operate, resulting in a postcode lottery in the standards of service the public receives.'

Cllr Ian Stephens, chair of the Local Government Association’s fire services management committee, said: 'The report’s recommendations in respect of consistency are ones we can support.

‘However, defining high-risk premises and related auditing processes should be considered in accordance with the recommendations of the Hackitt Review.

'We already work very closely with the Home Office and the National Fire Chiefs Council and look forward to discussing how we can take these recommendations forward.'

Black hole spending review image

Black hole spending review

Jonathan Werran, chief executive of Localis, reflects on what the Spending Review means for local government.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Assistant Director Planning (Chief Planning Officer)

Mansfield District Council
up to £72,011 (pay award pending)
We are seeking an experienced chief planning officer. Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council

Service Director – People & Culture

Cambridgeshire County Council
Up to £115k
Cambridgeshire is a great place to work and live. Cambridgeshire
Recuriter: Cambridgeshire County Council

Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer)

South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership
£108,657 - £134,787 pa
Are you a visionary finance leader ready to make a lasting impact? Lincolnshire
Recuriter: South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership

Team Leader, Short Breaks Service

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Resourcing and Workforce Planning Officer

Durham County Council
£34,314 to £37,938 p.a. (Grade 9) Pay award pending
Are you passionate about recruitment, talent management, and workforce planning? Do you thrive on supporting managers, improving processes, and deliv Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner