21Fire and Rescue National Framework
(1)The Secretary of State must prepare a Fire and Rescue National Framework.
(2)The Framework—
(a)must set out priorities and objectives for fire and rescue authorities in connection with the discharge of their functions;
(b)may contain guidance to fire and rescue authorities in connection with the discharge of any of their functions;
(c)may contain any other matter relating to fire and rescue authorities or their functions that the Secretary of State considers appropriate.
(3)The Secretary of State must keep the terms of the Framework under review and may from time to time make revisions to it.
(4)The Secretary of State must discharge his functions under subsections (1) and (3) in the manner and to the extent that appear to him to be best calculated to promote—
(a)public safety,
(b)the economy, efficiency and effectiveness of fire and rescue authorities, and
(c)economy, efficiency and effectiveness in connection with the matters in relation to which fire and rescue authorities have functions.
(5)In preparing the Framework, or any revisions to the Framework which appear to him to be significant, the Secretary of State—
(a)must consult fire and rescue authorities or persons considered by him to represent them;
(b)must consult persons considered by him to represent employees of fire and rescue authorities;
(c)may consult any other persons he considers appropriate.
(6)The Framework as first prepared, and any revisions to the Framework which appear to the Secretary of State to be significant, have effect only when brought into effect by the Secretary of State by order.
(7)Fire and rescue authorities must have regard to the Framework in carrying out their functions.