House of Lords written statement – made at on 17 December 2012.
Baroness Hanham
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government
I am pleased to announce that Sir Ken Knight will be undertaking a review into the operational efficiency of the services delivered by fire and rescue authorities in England.
This review, conducted by Sir Ken Knight, former firefighter and out-going Government Chief Fire and Rescue Adviser, will seek to identify ways in which fire and rescue authorities can pinpoint sensible savings and practical improvements without reducing the breadth and quality of life-saving services that the country's firefighters are known for.
The review will examine options for savings both within and beyond the current Spending Review period, including through:
firefighter training;flexible staffing and crewing arrangements;the use of retained firefighters;procurement;shared services;collaboration with emergency services and other organisations on service delivery and estates;sickness management;sharing of senior staff;locally led mergers and operational collaborations;new firefighting technology;preventative approaches;working with local businesses.
Public safety is always our first concern and this review will make sure no stone has been left unturned in the quest for the most efficient and effective front-line fire service there can be.
The review will commence in January with Sir Ken Knight talking to key partners, and will report in the spring of 2013.
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