§ Mr. HammondTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister when he expects to bring forward proposals to repeal the fire brigades discipline and promotion regulations. [139276]
§ Mr. RaynsfordThe White Paper, "Our Fire and Rescue Service", presented to Parliament by my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister on 30 June, announced that the Fire Services (Discipline) Regulations 1985 would be abolished and replaced with framework regulations based on the most up-to-date ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) best practice guidance. It also announced that the Fire Services (Appointments and Promotion Regulations) 1978 would be amended to allow multi-level entry to the fire and rescue service and to support development and promotion opportunities for all fire and rescue service staff through the implementation of the Integrated Personal Development System.
Work on both these issues is currently underway. Following consultation, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is aiming to introduce the new appointments and promotion regulations early in the new year with changes to the discipline regulations following in early 1288W spring. The final content and promulgation of the regulations will, of course, be subject to parliamentary approval.