Memorandum by the East Sussex Fire and
Rescue Service (FRS 46)
1. EXECUTIVE
SUMMARY
1.1.1 East Sussex Fire Authority are responsible
for providing, administering and managing the Fire and Rescue
Service in the county of East Sussex and the city of Brighton
and Hove. In crafting our response to the Inquiry, East Sussex
Fire Authority would wish to reiterate their commitment to the
modernisation of the Fire and Rescue Service which should lead
to continuing improvements in community safety, further reductions
in fire deaths and fire related injuries and a reduction in the
damage caused to property and the environment through fire.
1.1.2 We are pleased to see the statutory
role of Fire Authorities extended within the Fire and Rescue Services
Act 2004, and await further deliberations on the broader emergency
response role currently being considered. As an Authority committed
to supporting the needs of our local citizens, we believe the
Fire and Rescue Service can play an increasing role in the broader
civil protection and community safety agenda and believe Government
should now give further consideration to extending the role of
the Fire and Rescue Service into one that encompasses a wider
range of civil protection and emergency planning duties.
1.1.3 In looking at the specific matters
described in the Inquiry and being considered by the Select Committee,
East Sussex Fire Authority would wish to emphasise the following
points.
— FiReControl Project. This Authority
whilst being cognisant of the case put forward for a rationalisation
of the number of Fire Control Centres, is supportive in principle
of a Project that delivers increased resilience, enhanced service
effectiveness and inter-operability with other emergency services,
better working between Fire Control Centres and delivers greater
value for money for local tax payers.
We remain however, unconvinced that the current
Project will deliver the savings described by the ODPM and are
fearful that additional costs will have to be borne by local council
taxpayers. We seek assurances that the enhanced service delivery
outcomes articulated by the ODPM will be achieved.
— FireLink. This Authority is
supportive of the replacement project for main scheme radio and
will work alongside ODPM to ensure FireLink is successfully implemented.
We do however seek assurances that there will be no additional
revenue costs falling upon Fire Authorities once FireLink replaces
the existing main scheme radio.
Further we believe that it would be appropriate
to review the original specification to bring within the scope
of the FireLink Project, hand held radios for the incident ground
and alerting systems for retained Fire Stations.
— Fire Prevention. The introduction
of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order in the spring of
2006 should provide a clearer and more focused legislative framework
for fire safety in the built environment. East Sussex Fire Authority
are however cognisant of the concerns expressed by the business
community that a reduction in bureaucracy whilst welcome in many
quarters, could lead to a potential reduction in fire safety in
places of work and other occupied buildings.
The Fire and Rescue Service has significant professional
expertise and experience in fire safety matters and we would want
to continue supporting the business community in developing and
maintaining safety in the built environment. This Authority would
also wish to make the strongest possible representations that
all new school buildings or any major refurbishments to school
buildings are constructed with fire sprinkler systems. We believe
the wanton damage to the fabric of our school buildings and the
damaging cost to our children's education should not be allowed
to continue.
In extending our support for fire sprinkler systems,
we would also argue that any new residential and domestic dwellings
constructed have installed at build stage, domestic sprinkler
systems. We find it difficult to comprehend that with the announcement
by the Deputy Prime Minister of a massive house building programme
over the next 20 years, 500,000 new homes alone in the south east,
the protection of future occupants from the danger of fire, has
not been at the fore front of strategic thinking. This is a once
in a lifetime opportunity to leave a legacy of safety for future
generations, and is an opportunity that must not be allowed to
pass by.
— NJC and financing arrangements.
East Sussex Fire Authority believe that a partnership approach
with responsible trade unions is in the interest of the Fire Authority,
our employees and those communities we serve. The industrial tensions
over the last few years have a number of causes.
We believe that leaders and managers of change
are crucial to improving the Fire and Rescue Service and achieving
the efficiencies and effectiveness expected by local taxpayers.
In seeking to move the Service forward, we believe it is crucial
that our middle and senior managers have a credible voice and
that creating a specific NJC for those managers will be a significant
step forward.
In considering financing of Fire and Rescue Services,
we remain unconvinced that the existing funding mechanism is properly
reflective of the demands on the Service. We believe that the
amount local council tax payers have to pay towards the Fire and
Rescue Service is disproportionate and hold a firm view that central
Government should contribute a greater amount of the overall funding
provision of the Fire and Rescue Service.
As a combined Fire Authority responsible for
densely populated urban areas, a large rural county with many
small towns and villages, and a coastline in excess of 80 km,
we believe we are disadvantaged in grant in comparison to many
other Fire and Rescue Authorities including the Metropolitan Authorities.
Redistribution of grant is key to ensuring that all Fire Authorities
are treated fairly.
2. INTRODUCTION
2.1.1 East Sussex Fire Authority welcomes
the opportunity to review the progress that has been made in modernising
the Fire and Rescue Service since 2003. Whilst much has been achieved,
there still remain many opportunities to reduce fire deaths and
injuries and fire related property damage alongside the evolution
of the role of the Fire and Rescue Service in areas of civil resilience
and civil protection.
2.1.2 There is much evidence of progress
particularly in the areas of reducing fire related deaths and
injuries, with the Service now engaging more with key stakeholders
to reduce the damaging impact to society of road traffic collisions.
2.1.3 There is one major safety development
which needs Government commitment now. East Sussex Fire Authority
has, for sometime, advocated the installation of sprinkler systems
in public buildings, particularly schools, and actively supports
the growing lobby arguing for the installation of domestic sprinkler
systems in new homes. There is much evidence from other countries,
particularly New Zealand and the USA, that shows clear benefit
arising from the installation of domestic sprinkler systems and
we urge the Government to grasp this initiative in line with their
significant new house building programme that is scheduled to
take place over the next 15 to 20 years.
2.1.4 The modernisation and reform agenda
for the Fire and Rescue Service has faced many hurdles including
in a number of instances, resistance to change from the Fire Brigades'
Union. Aspects of the role of the Fire and Rescue Service particularly
in relation to civil resilience and co-responding have frequently
been resisted by the Fire Brigades' Union, which has led to a
slower realisation of the benefits expected from reform. In addition,
necessary changes to the national negotiating machinery has seen
little progress and until these matters are effectively resolved,
the direction and speed of progress is likely to be limited.
3. TERMS OF
REFERENCE—QUESTION
1A
3.1 Regional control centres
3.1.1 While East Sussex Fire Authority remains
unconvinced of the rationale for the FiReControl Project to build
nine fire control centres based on the existing Government regions,
we continue to lend our support to a project that delivers successful
outcomes that provide a better, more effective and resilient service
leading to greater value for money gains.
3.1.2 To be successful the FiReControl Project
must:
(a) deliver increased resilience, enhanced
interoperability and support between Fire and Rescue Service Control
Centres, more effective working with other emergency service partners,
in particular the Police Service and Ambulance Service, greater
operational effectiveness in terms of call handling and incident
response; and
(b) provide greater value for money for local
tax payers than the current system which works satisfactorily
at the moment.
We remain disappointed that the full business
case is still not available to Fire Authorities.
3.1.3 East Sussex Fire Authority continue
to seek confirmation from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister
that the benefits described above will be delivered through the
FiReControl project and a reassurance that local taxpayers in
East Sussex and the City of Brighton and Hove will not have to
contribute more council tax to support the project outcomes.
3.1.4 In addition, an absolute clarification
is sought on the Government's constitutional arrangements for
the Regional Fire Control Centres alongside a clear and unequivocal
statement on the legal issues surrounding statutory responsibilities
and liability for responding to emergency calls. Finally, we seek
clarity on the VAT arrangements for the new Regional Control Centres.
4 TERMS OF
REFERENCE—QUESTION
1B
4.1 FireLink
4.1.1 East Sussex Fire Authority supports
the introduction and implementation of the FireLink Project recognising
that the existing main scheme radio system is now obsolete. We
welcome the support of the ODPM in progressing the FireLink Project,
but again raise the issue of future revenue costs. Whilst there
has been some detail provided on the infrastructure and hardware
revenue costs of the system with agreement that this is paid for
by the ODPM, the continuing ongoing revenue maintenance and support
costs for the system are still unclear.
4.1.2 In addition, we believe it would be
appropriate now to review the original specification for FireLink,
which at the time of its crafting omitted both the provision of
handheld communication at the incident ground and an alerter system
for retained fire stations with related mobilising arrangements.
4.1.3 East Sussex Fire Authority believes
that with the increasing role the Fire and Rescue Service now
plays in responding to other emergencies, particularly those relating
to the civil resilience and civil protection agenda, it is crucial
that handheld communication on the operational incident ground
is provided and that this should be built into the FireLink Project.
We would therefore, ask that the Select Committee consider this
matter in some detail.
5 TERMS OF
REFERENCE—QUESTIONS
2A
5.1 Fire prevention
5.1.1 East Sussex Fire Authority has supported
the revision of fire precautions and fire safety legislation and
welcomes the drawing together of a range of statutes within the
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order. We understand the Order
is to become effective from April 2006 and we believe there is
now an opportunity to ensure that fire safety and fire precautions
in the built environment continues the improvements we have seen
in fire safety matters since the enactment of the Fire Precautions
Act in 1971.
5.1.2 We understand fully, the need to remove
unnecessary red tape and bureaucracy from the business sector
and place on the responsible owner/operator of premises, proper
accountabilities. We also believe, however, that the Fire Precautions
Act 1971 has played, and continues to play, an important part
in securing fire safety measures in occupied buildings and places
of work.
5.1.3 In discussions with our local business
community, we conclude that a balance has to be struck between
what we believe to be a necessary bureaucratic fire certification
scheme and the move within a modern and dynamic business environment
to place proper accountabilities and responsibilities on premises
owners. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order will see the
role of the Fire and Rescue Service move from being an enabling
and facilitative body to that of a primary enforcement agency.
5.1.4 There is in our view, a potential
for fire safety measures in occupied buildings and places of work
to decline, resulting in a greater risk to those persons who work
in or visit such buildings. Any greater risk of fire in occupied
buildings and places of work will result in an increased workload
for the Fire and Rescue Service and potentially a greater risk
for our firefighters.
5.1.5 It is not our intention to scaremonger
or suggest that the built environment will immediately become
a less safe place. Nevertheless, we believe that since 1971, the
built environment has become much safer. This is due in some part
to the role played by the Fire and Rescue Service and the professionalism
of fire safety inspecting officers who have advised on fire safety
and related measures in such buildings and have supported the
maintenance of a fire certification regime through regular inspections.
5.1.6 We suggest therefore, that the impact
of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order is closely monitored
and regularly reviewed to ensure that fire safety measures in
the built environment do not decline following the move to a new
legislative regime.
6 TERMS OF
REFERENCE—QUESTIONS
2B
6.1 Institutional arrangements and reform,
including transitional arrangements and finance
6.1.1 Financial Provision for the Fire and
Rescue Service both at a national and local level does give some
course for concern. The earlier review of the Fire and Rescue
Service indicated that there were savings to be made through organisational
efficiencies.
6.1.2 In East Sussex, we are changing the
way we do things—most importantly resources have moved from
the traditional areas of response and intervention towards prevention.
We will continue to adjust our working practices and the deployment
of resources, but there is limited scope for further savings without
the overall operational efficiency of the organisation being harmed.
6.1.3 Further, it is becoming increasingly
clear that the evolving role of the Fire and Rescue Service, particularly
in support of the civil resilience and civil protection agenda,
has placed additional financial burdens on the Service, including
the provision of ongoing training and the maintenance of equipment
and plant.
6.1.4 Whilst we recognise and acknowledge
the support of the ODPM in providing initial plant, equipment
and accommodation to support the New Dimension programme, the
additional responsibilities on the Service as Category One Responders
through the Civil Contingencies Bill and the work associated with
emergency planning is difficult to absorb within existing revenue
budgets.
6.1.5 In the earlier White Paper, it was
acknowledged that not all fire authorities would have the same
capacity to make savings and that a redistribution mechanism would
have to be found to ensure that those authorities that had little
or no opportunity to find savings would be supported through a
re-distribution of grant. To date, we have seen no evidence of
any grant redistribution.
6.1.6 East Sussex Fire Authority would also
raise its concern with regard to the impact of the modernisation
agenda on those Services who have a high proportion of their staff
working the retained duty system. Whilst the outcome of the 2003
industrial action was predicated on a self-funded pay award, it
is important to remember that this was looking at the national
position as a whole. The result has been that those Fire Authorities
who have significant numbers of retained duty personnel proportional
to their wholetime personnel have seen their revenue costs rise
sharply. The issue of revenue grant redistribution is therefore,
critical to the future sustainability of Fire and Rescue Authorities.
7 TERMS OF
REFERENCE—QUESTIONS
2C
7.1 Promoting diversity within the fire and
rescue service
7.1.1 East Sussex Fire Authority fully supports
the agenda to promote diversity within the Fire and Rescue Service
and is committed to the principle of its local service reflecting
and representing the people it serves. We believe it is important
however, for Government to strategically support this agenda and
recognise that to promote the Fire and Rescue Service as an employer
of the first choice and as a worthwhile career option, we must
have in place effective relationships with the Department of Education
and Science to promote a career in the Fire and Rescue Service
in all schools and colleges and through careers fairs. The Department
of Work and Pensions must also recognise and promote the Fire
and Rescue Service as a career choice.
7.1.2 We applaud the advertising campaigns
of the Armed Forces in nationally promoting their Services through
the medium of television in highly sophisticated and well-marketed
advertising campaigns. The same approach should be considered
as a matter of priority for the Fire and Rescue Service supported
and marketed through the ODPM.
7.1.3 As an authority determined to secure
the most able and competent staff to manage and lead our Service,
we also welcome the opportunity to open the Service to a much
wider field of applicants through removing artificial barriers
to entry and a single tier entry system. However, we also believe
it is fundamental to the success of the Service to ensure that
the critical incident command skills of officers are not diluted
and that entry into the Service at all levels is only available
to those competent to undertake the requirements of the role.
7.1.4 We recognise the challenges this poses
those persons who would wish to enter the Service at a higher
level and do not have the necessary critical incident command
skills. Therefore we believe it is important that the Service
has in place robust and accredited training programmes to ensure
that those who come into the Service at a multi-entry stage route,
are able to gain the necessary skills and competencies to undertake
their role.
8 TERMS OF
REFERENCE—QUESTIONS
3
8.1 Joint working between the fire and rescue
service and other emergency services
8.1.1 We support fully, increasing partnership
working between the Fire and Rescue Service and other emergency
services particularly in the areas of community safety and working
with young people. We have seen much success from the results
of programmes such as the LIFE project and work with the Prince's
Trust in supporting young people, particularly the socially excluded
and those referred to the Fire and Rescue Service through Youth
Offending Teams.
8.1.2 Such programmes, often supported through
Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships (CDRPs), are seen as
key components of improving social cohesion and community well
being. As such, we would wish to continue supporting such initiatives.
However, we are concerned at the continuing impact on existing
resources of supporting such programmes and would urge that consideration
be given to providing specific grant funding to support and resource
what we consider to be significantly beneficial community partnership
programmes.
9 CIVIL RESILIENCE
9.1.1 East Sussex Fire Authority fully supports
the engagement of the Fire and Rescue Service in the civil resilience
agenda. We have previously recommended that the Fire and Rescue
Service take on a greater civil protection role particularly in
light of our experiences of major flooding in 1998 and in 2000.
We believe that not only can the Fire and Rescue Service provide
a professional and supportive emergency response to such incidents,
but also that our local communities both expect and demand such
a provision from the public emergency services.
9.1.2 The Fire and Rescue Service in our
view, is best placed to support, provide and undertake such a
role and we would argue that along with this enhanced role and
consequential responsibilities, there should be an increased level
of funding.
9.1.3 We believe it would be opportune now
to review the role of the Fire and Rescue Service alongside the
Section 9 and 11 provisions within the Fire and Rescue Services
Act 2004 to look specifically the other emergencies in which Fire
and Rescue Services are likely to be required or indeed may wish
to engage, in order to meet local circumstances and community
needs. The outcome must be on the one hand, that local communities
and central Government can be assured of a professional and effective
response to civil emergencies and on the other, that local tax
payers are not unnecessarily burdened.
9.1.4 In addition and in support of the
broader public safety agenda, East Sussex Fire Authority see considerable
benefit in the introduction of co-responder schemes between local
Ambulance Services and the Fire and Rescue Service. We believe
that where there is an identified need, the Fire and Rescue Service
should use its resources to support life safety and life preservation
in engaging in co-responder schemes. We are disappointed that
at a national level, the Fire Brigades Union has stated its opposition
to such schemes, which seems at odds with the aims and ideals
of a publicly funded emergency service.
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