Welsh Statutory Instruments
Fire And Rescue Services, Wales
Made
8 December 2015
Laid before the National Assembly for Wales
9 December 2015
Coming into force
1 January 2016
The Welsh Ministers make this Order in exercise of the powers conferred on the National Assembly for Wales by sections 21(6) and 62 of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004(1) and now vested in them.
In accordance with section 21(5) of that Act the Welsh Ministers have consulted fire and rescue authorities or persons considered to represent them, persons considered to represent employees of fire and rescue authorities and such other persons they considered appropriate.
1.—(1) The title of this Order is the Fire and Rescue Services (National Framework) (Wales) (Revision) (No. 2) Order 2015 and it comes into force on 1 January 2016.
(2) This Order applies in relation to Wales.
2. The Fire and Rescue Services (National Framework) (Wales) (Revision) Order 2015(2) is revoked.
3. The Fire and Rescue National Framework prepared by the Welsh Ministers and entitled “The Fire and Rescue National Framework for Wales 2016” published by the Welsh Ministers on 25 November 2015 has effect as a revision, which appears to the Welsh Ministers to be significant, of the Fire and Rescue National Framework for Wales 2012(3).
Leighton Andrews
Minister for Public Services, one of the Welsh Ministers
8 December 2015
(This note is not part of the Order)
This Order revokes the Fire and Rescue Services (National Framework) (Wales) (Revision) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/1931 (W. 289)) and re-enacts its provisions in order to correct an error which was identified in the original Order.
Section 21 of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 (“the Act”) requires the Welsh Ministers to prepare a Fire and Rescue National Framework, which must set out priorities and objectives for fire and rescue authorities in Wales and which may provide guidance to fire and rescue authorities in connection with the discharge of any of their functions. Fire and rescue authorities must have regard to the framework in carrying out their functions.
Article 3 of this Order substitutes the Fire and Rescue National Framework for Wales 2016 (“the Framework”) for the Fire and Rescue National Framework for Wales 2012.
The principal differences are that the Framework sets revised priorities for fire and rescue authorities under six key objectives. Those objectives are that fire and rescue authorities should—
(1) continually and sustainably reduce risk and enhance the safety of citizens and communities;
(2) respond swiftly and effectively to incidents;
(3) be clearly and publicly accountable for delivery and funding, manifesting the highest standards of governance;
(4) maintain downward pressure on costs and take all opportunities to realise efficiencies;
(5) work effectively with partners to improve efficiency and citizen and community well-being;
(6) value and develop the workforce to the highest standards.
The Framework has effect from 1 January 2016 and has an open-ended duration. Copies of the Framework may be obtained from Fire Services Branch, Welsh Government, Rhydycar, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 1UZ. It was published on the Welsh Government website: www.wales.gov.uk on 25 November 2015.
The Welsh Ministers’ Code of Practice on the carrying out of Regulatory Impact Assessments was considered in relation to this Order. As a result, a regulatory impact assessment has been prepared as to the likely costs and benefits of complying with this Order. A copy can be obtained from the Fire Services Branch, Welsh Government, Rhydycar, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 1UZ or by calling 0300 062 8226.
2004 c. 21. The functions under section 21 of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 are now vested in the Welsh Ministers so far as they are exercisable in relation to Wales. They were previously vested in the National Assembly for Wales by section 62 of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004. By virtue of paragraph 30 of Schedule 11 to the Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32), they were transferred to the Welsh Ministers.