§ Ms CorstonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has for reviewing the future role of the Fire Service College. [75119]
§ Mr. StrawThe Government are committed to securing best value for money through regular and systematic reviews of the services which its agencies provide and how these are delivered.
In view of the continuing poor financial performance as a trading fund of the Fire Service College at Moreton in Marsh, I have decided to commission an immediate prior options review. This will consider the College's present and future role in helping meet the requirements for central training in the fire service. The review will evaluate the performance of the Agency and will also re-appraise the prior options considered before the College was established as a trading fund, taking account of developments since that time. Should Ministers agree that agency status remains the most appropriate option, the review will bring forward recommendations for future development and funding including any necessary revisions to the College's Framework Document.
The review will be conducted by officials from the man Home Office working, among others, with Her Majesty's Fire Service Inspectorate. Views are welcomed from all interested parties. The review is expected to report in the summer.