HL Deb 06 December 2004 vol 667 cc47-8WS
The Minister of State, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (Lord Rooker)

My right honourable friend the Minister for Local and Regional Government, Mr Nick Raynsford, has made the following Written Ministerial Statement.

Today the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is publishing the 2005–06 Fire and Rescue National Framework.

The Government remain committed to reduce the number of fire deaths and deliberate fires. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's fire public service agreement target commits us to achieving long-term reductions in fire deaths and arson, including in the worst off areas. The Government also recognise the importance of working closely with fire and rescue authorities and their staff in order to achieve these goals.

The Fire and Rescue National Framework sets out the strategy for meeting the Government's objectives and delivering an improved service that achieves better value for money for the communities it serves.

At the request of fire and rescue authorities we agreed to publish the 2005–06 national framework in time to inform authorities' budget setting processes. The 2005–06 national framework reflects progress that has been, made since the publication of the 2004–05 national framework in July 2004 and reflects comments we have received in response to our consultation exercise. We have carefully considered all responses and have reflected them in the national framework where appropriate. The Government's full response to the comments is published on the ODPM website.

The national framework is a forward looking document. Fire and rescue authorities will soon begin the process of comprehensive performance assessment. Fire CPA will provide a robust assessment of progress by the service since publication of the White Paper and a firm basis for further improvement.

The 2005–06 national framework has effect under Section 21(6) of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 as a revision, which appears to the Secretary of State to be significant, of the 2004–05 national framework.

Copies of the 2005–06 national framework will be made available in the Libraries of both Houses.