The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (Framework and Appointed Day for Strategic Plan) Order 2013

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order gives effect to the framework document entitled “Fire and Rescue Framework for Scotland 2013”, for the purpose of section 40(4) of the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 (“the Act”) (article 2).

The Scottish Ministers are required to prepare this framework document under section 40(1) of the Act (as amended by the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012, which established a single Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (“SFRS”) to replace the fire and rescue authorities and joint fire and rescue boards). It sets out priorities and objectives for SFRS in connection with the carrying out of its statutory functions. It also contains such guidance, and other matters relating to SFRS and its functions, as the Scottish Ministers consider appropriate. Section 41(1) of the Act requires SFRS to have regard to the framework document in carrying out its functions. The framework document was published in March 2013 and is available on the Scottish Government’s website: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/fireframework2013.

The Order specifies 1st October 2013 as the appointed day for the purpose of section 41A(7) of the Act, which requires SFRS to use its best endeavours to secure the Scottish Ministers’ approval to its strategic plan before that date (article 3). SFRS must also have regard to the framework document when preparing the strategic plan under section 41A of the Act.

The Order revokes the Fire and Rescue Services (Framework) (Scotland) Order 2012 (article 4).

A Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment has been prepared and placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre. Copies may be obtained from the Fire and Rescue Service Division, Safer Communities Directorate, Scottish Government, 1WR St Andrew’s House, Regent Road, Edinburgh, EH1 3DG and online at www.legislation.gov.uk.