This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Draft Fire and Rescue Framework
27/01/2005
The Executive's first draft Fire and Rescue Framework for Scotland was published today.
The Framework, which has been issued for a three month consultation period, sets out the Executive's priorities, objectives and guidance for the Fire and Rescue Service.
These include:
- Placing even greater empasis on fire prevention
- Giving the fire service more flexibility to deal with fire and other emergencies, in the most effective way
- Setting out the continued levels of funding that the Executive will provide
Deputy Juastice Minister Hugh Henry said:
"The Framework will provide strategic direction for the Fire and Rescue Service, as well as setting out the support which the Executive will provide to the service. Our shared goal is to offer even greater protection to the public from fire and other emergencies.
"We acknowledge that the Fire Service is, and will remain, a local service accountable to local politicians democratically elected by their communities. We support those arrangements.
"But we recognise that, in a changing world, the Service must operate within a national Framework which sets out clear and consistent objectives.
"Despite a welcome underlying downward trend, deaths from fire in Scotland remain proportionately higher than elsewhere in the UK. We must improve on that position, as well as ensuring that the Service is equipped to deal with new threats such as terrorism.
"The draft Framework - along with other measures we are taking through the Fire (Scotland) Bill - will help to achieve our vision of a safer Scotland. We can only do that in partnership with Fire and Rescue Authorities and their staff. We would welcome their comments, and those of other key stakeholders including the trade unions, on the draft Framework".
Closing date for comments is April 29 after which, and subject to the Parliamentary passage of the Fire (Scotland) Bill, the final version of the Framework will be given statutory effect by an Order made under the new legislation.
Fire and Rescue authorities will be under a duty to have regard to the document, and Ministers will have powers to intervene if authorities do not adhere to the Framework.