Assistance in discharge of functions
Sections 13 and 14: Reinforcement schemes and directions as to reinforcement schemes
31.These sections re-enact the existing provisions of the Fire Services Act 1947 on reinforcement schemes and extend them to apply to road traffic accidents and other serious emergencies (as defined by order under section 9). Section 13 obliges fire and rescue authorities to group together, so far as practicable, to provide mutual assistance. If there are cases where fire and rescue authorities are unable to come to an agreement about forming such a group, and one of the authorities concerned requests it, section 14 enables the Secretary of State to direct the fire and rescue authorities involved to make, vary or revoke such a scheme.
32.Before giving a direction, the Secretary of State must give all authorities concerned the opportunity to make representations to him and he may hold an inquiry.
Section 15: Arrangements with other employers of fire-fighters
33.This section extends existing powers in the Fire Services Act 1947 which allow fire and rescue authorities to enter into agreements with organisations that employ their own fire-fighters. For example, if fire-fighters are employed by an airport to respond to plane crashes, an agreement could be entered into so that the airport fire-fighters will respond to and assist with incidents within a certain range of the airport. Fire and rescue authorities could pay the airport for each call that their fire-fighters respond to. These arrangements can also apply to the non-fire emergencies covered by sections 8 and 9. The arrangements under this section cannot be between two fire and rescue authorities as this type of relationship would be covered by sections 13 and 14.
