Fire Devolution

I am pleased to report to the Assembly the intention of the UK Government to devolve full responsibility for fire fighting and fire safety in Wales to the National Assembly for Wales. This intention was confirmed in yesterday’s publication of the White Paper – “ Our Fire and Rescue Service- by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Currently responsibility for the fire service is split between the Assembly and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. The Welsh Assembly Government is responsible for the fire service’s revenue funding while ODPM has responsibility for capital funding and fire policy.

Since 1999 we have worked hard to ensure that the fire service is sell supported by the current arrangements.  Nevertheless we came to the conclusion on the basis of evidence and experience that a devolution of responsibility to the Assembly would make for a more effective management of the service and its funding.

We have developed a close and productive relationship with the three Welsh fire authorities and the Assembly. The Welsh Assembly Government has sought wherever possible to involve the fire authorities in its policy work and has sought to encourage an holistic approach to fire safety in particular fostering the fire services’ innovative approach to community fire safety and arson prevention.

The Assembly Government made the case for change to the Independent Review  of the Fire Service chaired by Sir George Bain, which recommended a devolution of responsibilities when it reported at the end of last year.

The Bain Review accepted our view that the devolution to the Assembly of responsibility for the fire service will create a single line of responsibility for the fire authorities and contribute to the effective management , planning, and delivery of the fire service in Wales.

The Welsh Assembly Government has no plans to change the existing structure of fire authorities. I believe that there is a strong case for stability.  The number of fire authorities was reduced from 8 to 3 only 7 years ago. Devolution will allow us to increase the collaboration between fire authorities, local authorities and other emergency services in Wales.

Over the Summer Ministers and officials will be discussing with UK Government the detailed arrangements for the transfer of responsibility of the fire service. I would hope that the new arrangements would come into effect next year.

This reflects the pragmatic approach to devolution when powers are transferred for a purpose - on the basis of evidence that delivery of services will be improved by the devolution.