Information

The Fire and Rescue National Framework for England sets out the government’s priorities and objectives for fire and rescue authorities. Every fire and rescue authority must have regard to the National Framework in carrying out its functions. Every authority must publish an annual statement of assurance of compliance with the National Framework, referred to as “the Fire and Rescue Statement”. This requirement applies to Police and Crime commissioners who take on the functions of a fire and rescue authority under the provisions of the Policing and Crime Act 2017, as is the case in Northamptonshire.

The Police, Fire and Crime Panel must then review the Fire and Rescue Statement and make a report outlining any recommendations to the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner. The report or recommendations of the Panel must also be published. The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner must provide a response to the panel and must also publish that response.

A copy of the Panel’s report can be downloaded here

PFCC’s Response

Following the publication of your response to the Fire & Rescue Statement for 2024/25 I am pleased to respond to the Panel in accordance with section 6 in accordance with the Police Reform & Social Responsibility Act 2011 Section 12 Paragraph 4(a).

I am grateful for the ongoing feedback and interest the Panel have shown in the work of our Fire and Rescue Service. The debate regarding the Fire and Rescue Statement was positive and constructive and I appreciate the Panel’s recognition of the various challenges facing the service. Whilst many of these challenges are long standing, we are working closely with the Chief Fire Officer and her leadership team to help ensure the long-term stability and sustainability of the service.

As with policing, the OPFCC has enhanced its ability to analyse and scrutinise performance data relating to the Fire and Rescue Service. This capability enables me to better hold the Chief Fire Officer to account and enables me to monitor the delivery of my strategic priorities in a more robust manner.

I will of course provide the Panel with an update following the outcome of the current HMICFRS inspection, but I can assure members that issues relating to performance and areas of concern are regularly discussed at the formal Fire Accountability Board.

I would like to thank the panel for the positive and constructive response to the Fire & Rescue Statement, and I look forward to continuing working with you, over the coming year.

Danielle Stone

Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Northamptonshire

A PDF copy of the response can be downloaded here