§ Lord Sawyerasked Her Majesty's Government:
What plans they have to review the future of the Fire Service College. [HL1371]
§ Lord Williams of MostynThe 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, my right honourable friend the Home Secretary has decided to commission an immediate prior 202WA options review. This will consider the college's present and future role in helping to meet the requirements for central training in the fire service. The review will evaluate the performance of the agency and will also reappraise 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 main 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.