Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004

Assistance in discharge of functions

13 Reinforcement schemes

(1) A fire and rescue authority must, so far as practicable, enter into a reinforcement scheme with other fire and rescue authorities.

(2) A reinforcement scheme is a scheme for securing mutual assistance as between fire and rescue authorities for the purpose of discharging the functions conferred under section 7, 8 or 9 on any of the authorities participating in the scheme.

(3) A reinforcement scheme may make provision for apportioning between the authorities participating in the scheme any expenses incurred in taking measures to secure the efficient operation of the scheme.

(4) The fire and rescue authorities participating in a reinforcement scheme must notify the Secretary of State of—

(a) the making of the scheme;

(b) the variation of the scheme;

(c) the revocation of the scheme.

(5) The fire and rescue authorities participating in a reinforcement scheme must give effect to it.

14 Directions as to reinforcement schemes

(1) This section applies if—

(a) a fire and rescue authority has asked one or more other fire and rescue authorities to agree to the making, variation or revocation of a reinforcement scheme,

(b) the authorities are unable to agree to the making, terms, variation or revocation of the scheme, and

(c) one of the authorities asks the Secretary of State to act under this section.

(2) The Secretary of State may direct the authorities concerned—

(a) to make a reinforcement scheme in the terms specified in the direction;

(b) to make one or more specified variations to a reinforcement scheme;

(c) to revoke a reinforcement scheme.

(3) Before giving a direction under subsection (2) the Secretary of State—

(a) must give both (or all) the authorities concerned an opportunity to make representations to him;

(b) may cause an inquiry to be held.

15 Arrangements with other employers of fire-fighters

(1) A fire and rescue authority may enter into arrangements with a person who employs fire-fighters for securing the provision by that person of assistance for the purpose of the discharge by the authority of a function conferred on it under section 7, 8 or 9.

(2) But a fire and rescue authority may not enter into arrangements under this section with another fire and rescue authority.

(3) Arrangements under this section may include provision as to the terms on which assistance is to be provided (including provision as to payment).