§ Lord Howie of Troonasked Her Majesty's Government:
When the national 1985 standards of fire cover will be withdrawn and replaced by fire cover arrangements based on the individual integrated risk management plans drawn up by fire authorities in England and Wales: and who will be responsible from that date for ensuring that the new fire cover arrangements are as efficient and effective as the 1985 standards. [HL1805]
§ Lord RookerThe recommended standards of fire cover will be superseded from 1 April 2004 when fire and rescue authorities implement their first agreed integrated risk management plans. These plans will detail locally determined response standards on the basis of authorities' assessment of risks to the community.
Fire and rescue authorities have responsibility for making provision for firefighting purposes to efficiently meet all normal requirements.
The Audit Commission will be responsible for assessing performance and will introduce a new inspection regime for the Fire and Rescue Service in co-operation with the Fire Service Inspectorate.