HC Deb 13 February 2004 vol 418 cc327-8W
Gregory Barker

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether combined fire authorities in their first year as precepting authorities will have the costs of transition taken into account when their budget is assessed. [154552]

Mr. Raynsford

The Government recognises fire authorities' concerns about setting budgets for next year, not least the particular circumstances faced by Combined Fire Authorities in their move to precepting status, including the pressure arising from the need to build up reserves.

Nonetheless, the Government remains of the view that all authorities, including Combined Fire Authorities, should be seeking to minimise council tax increases. The Government will, if necessary, use its capping powers to deal with unacceptable increases.

Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what action his Department has taken to ensure that the changes in locations of fire service control rooms do not impact on response times. [155441]

Mr. Raynsford

The location of a fire and rescue command and control room does not impact on response times. Service standards for the new regional control rooms will at a minimum be equal to present practice.

Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the guidance provided to the committees of regional fire authorities regarding the regionalisation of Fire Service control rooms. [155812]

Mr. Raynsford

The Government have said they accept the conclusions of Mott MacDonald report, on the "Future of Fire and Rescue Service Control Rooms in England and Wales", publishedin December 2003. It believes that control rooms at regional level are appropriate for reasons of efficiency, economy, effectiveness and resilience. It is considering the views of the Practitioners' Forum, authorities and the service on the conclusions of the report and the Government's response. Copies of the report are available in the Library of the House.