Mentions

Scotland

• S4M-02634 – Concern at Evictions in Glasgow (updated)

Non-governmental and International Organisation Press Releases

• Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) – Lothian Firefighter Wins STUC One Workplace Equality Award

Fire Services

Westminster Debates and Legislation

• (No. 953) Firefighters’ Pension Scheme (Amendment) (England) Order 2012 laid before Parliament

House of Commons

Statements

• Penning makes statement on Highways Agency and Network Rail (Fire Risk Audit Reports)

House of Commons Questions

• Howarth – Fire Services (Finance)
• Howarth – Fire Services (Finance)
• Howarth – Fire Services (Financial Stability)
• Howarth – Fire Services (Finance)
• Howarth – Fire Services (Pensions)
• McCartney – Firefighters’ Pension Scheme
• Blenkinsop – Cleveland Fire Brigade (Restructuring)

Non-governmental and International Organisation Press Releases

• Which? – Thousands of house fires caused by faulty kitchen appliances every year

Regions

Central Government and Agencies

• Oxfordshire County Council – Fire at Swinbrook House

Political Party Press Releases

• Alliance – Dunlop shocked by racist attack in Ballymena
• SDLP – O’Loan condemns racist arson attack in Ballymena
• SDLP – O’Loan condemns further attack on Ballymena apartment
• Mary Glindon MP – Mary Glindon warns of the dangers of Chinese Lanterns

Mentions

Scotland

S4M-02634 – Concern at Evictions in Glasgow (updated)

Tue, 17 April 2012 | Scottish Parliament – Motion Lodged

…if evicted, families will be left with no home and no access to work or benefits; believes that compassion must be shown to the most vulnerable in society, and considers that organisations such as the Fire Brigades Union Scotland have given fantastic support with their generous donations to enable the families to remain housed in the short term.

Supported by: John Mason*, Richard Lyle*, Jim Eadie*, Annabel…

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Non-governmental and International Organisation Press Releases

Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) – Lothian Firefighter Wins STUC One Workplace Equality Award

Mon, 23 April 2012 | Campaign Organisation Press Release

… recognise the role of Scottish trade union members in promoting equality (14:00 hrs. Monday 23th April 2012) at the STUC Annual Congress in Inverness.

This year’s recipient is Lud Ramsay a Fire Brigades Union Equality Rep. Lud works as a Fire and Education Officer with Lothian and Borders Fire Service (LBFS) based at the Risk Factory in Edinburgh.

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Fire Services

Westminster Debates and Legislation

(No. 953) Firefighters’ Pension Scheme (Amendment) (England) Order 2012 laid before Parliament

Thu, 29 March 2012 | Statutory Instrument Laid

Summary

The Firefighters’ Pension Scheme (Amendment) (England) Order 2012 has been laid before Parliament today, having been made on 27th March.

This statutory instrument is subject to negaive resolution and will be published at a later date.

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House of Commons

Statements

Penning makes statement on Highways Agency and Network Rail (Fire Risk Audit Reports)

Thu, 19 April 2012 | House of Commons – Written Ministerial Statements

Summary

The following written statement was made in the House of Commons on 19 April 2012.

Contents

Transport
Highways Agency and Network Rail (Fire Risk Audit Reports)

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Mike Penning): Progress is being made with considering these reports, and I will make a statement shortly.

Click here to view the source of this item online.
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House of Commons Questions

Howarth – Fire Services (Finance)

Tue, 17 April 2012 | House of Commons – Written Answer

Contents

Mr George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what his policy is on integrating the capital element of grant funding into the overall revenue grant for fire and rescue services.[102722]

Robert Neill: I have recently launched a bidding process for the capital element of grant funding, details of which can be found at:http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/fire/capitalfunding201315There are no plans to integrate this grant into the overall revenue grant for fire and rescue authorities.

Click here to view the source of this item online.
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Howarth – Fire Services (Finance)

Tue, 17 April 2012 | House of Commons – Written Answer

Contents

Mr George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what plans he has to ensure an equitable distribution of formula grant for fire and rescue services in years three and four of the comprehensive spending review.[102723]

Robert Neill: All local authorities, including fire and rescue authorities, will be asked to respond to consultation over the summer on how the baseline distribution will be set in 2013-14.Provisional fire and rescue authority funding baselines will be announced at the usual time in November/December this year.

Click here to view the source of this item online.
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Howarth – Fire Services (Financial Stability)

Tue, 17 April 2012 | House of Commons – Written Answer

Contents

Mr George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what measures he proposes to put in place to ensure stability in the grant formula for fire and rescue services.[102724]

Robert Neill: Under the proposed business rates retention scheme, fire and rescue authorities will see some protection in their funding and will be “top up authorities”.
They will be able to benefit from growth in local business rates.
There will be further consultation on the detail of these proposals in the summer.

Click here to view the source of this item online.
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Howarth – Fire Services (Finance)

Tue, 17 April 2012 | House of Commons – Written Answer

Contents

Mr George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether fire and rescue services will be able to bid for an element of the funding set aside from the national non-domestic rate redistribution.[102725]

Robert Neill: The central share of business rates, paid by billing authorities to central Government to ensure the scheme is fiscally sustainable, will be allocated in full to local government via grants.
The Government will set out the percentage split between the central and local share of business rates, together with the mix of functions and services to be funded through retained business rates, later this spring.

Click here to view the source of this item online.
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Howarth – Fire Services (Pensions)

Tue, 17 April 2012 | House of Commons – Written Answer

Contents

Mr George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government with reference to the change in the level of employer contributions to the Firefighters’ Pension Scheme, what plans he has for the surplus to the scheme following the application of the new cost ceiling in 2015.[102721]

Robert Neill: Employer contribution rates for the 2015 scheme will be based on scheme valuations, not on cost ceilings.
Valuations to assess the costs of all of the firefighters’ pension schemes will take place periodically.
Until future actuarial valuations in the schemes have been conducted, it would be premature to speculate on future levels of contributions, or any notional surplus or deficit that might arise.

Click here to view the source of this item online.
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McCartney – Firefighters’ Pension Scheme

Wed, 18 April 2012 | House of Commons – Written Answer

Contents

Karl McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (1) how many firefighters left the Firefighters’ Pension Scheme in each of the last five years; [103750]
(2) how many firefighters enrolled in the Firefighters’ Pension Scheme in each of the last five years.[103751]

Robert Neill: There are two pension schemes covering firefighters in England: The Firefighters’ Pension Scheme 1992 (“the 1992 scheme”), and the New Firefighters’ Pension Scheme 2006 (“the 2006 scheme”).
These schemes are administered locally by each fire and rescue authority.The following table sets out the information that the Department holds on members that have left the two schemes for each of the requested years:

The 1992 scheme closed to new membership on 5 April 2006 and therefore has had no new scheme members since that date.
The Department does not collect information on the number of firefighters that have enrolled in the 2006 scheme.
However, membership of the two schemes totalled 37,185 members in 2008-09, 36,104 members in 2009-10, and 37,292 members in 2010-11.Detailed scheme membership, as at 31 March 2007, can be found in the scheme valuation conducted by the Government Actuary’s Department:http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/fire/pdf/ActuarialValutaionGADReport.pdf
On 30 March 2012, the Department published work force data on the firefighters’ pension scheme relating to 2010-11.
This can be found at:http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/corporate/statistics/firepensionmembership201011

Click here to view the source of this item online.
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Blenkinsop – Cleveland Fire Brigade (Restructuring)

Thu, 19 April 2012 | House of Commons – Written Answer

Contents

Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what funding his Department has provided for the restructuring of Cleveland Fire Brigade.[103552]
Paul Burstow: None.

Click here to view the source of this item online.
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Non-governmental and International Organisation Press Releases

Which? – Thousands of house fires caused by faulty kitchen appliances every year

Thu, 19 April 2012 | Campaign Organisation Press Release

Contents

Government needs to do more to protect the consumer from faulty products

A Which? investigation has uncovered an alarming number of faulty kitchen appliances, causing thousands of house fires every year.

The scale of the problem is laid bare by a Which? investigation that found people suffering serious damage to their homes caused by appliances ranging from exploding toasters to smoking kettles. Freedom of Information requests to fire services across the country revealed that it is not necessarily the obvious appliances that consumers should worry about like cookers and ovens but tumble dryers and washing machines are more likely to catch fire due to faults. In one example, over £86,000 worth of damage was caused by a dishwasher catching on fire.

Almost 6,000 appliances or their electrical leads caught fire due to faults in 2010/11, according to figures from the Department for Communities and Local Government. Some fire brigades already collect data on the makes and models of appliances that have caused fires but this is not a statutory requirement and the information is not readily available to the public. Which? wants better information and better protection for the consumer.

Which? executive director Richard Lloyd said:

“We want the Government to collect and analyse information on house fires caused by faulty appliances, by brand. Greater transparency would alert manufacturers to products that are continually at fault and give consumers greater protection against faulty appliances so they can prevent damage to their homes.”

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Regions

Central Government and Agencies

Oxfordshire County Council – Fire at Swinbrook House

Sat, 21 April 2012 | Local Authority Press Release

Contents

At 8:04pm on Saturday 21st April Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service were called to reports of a fire at Swinbrook House, just outside Swinbrook near Burford. Fire appliances from Burford and Witney were immediately mobilised to the incident.

On arrival, crews were faced with a developing fire in a ground floor room in the large three storey detached property, with heavy smoke logging spreading to other parts of the building.

The initial crews from Burford and Witney were able to tackle the fire and prevent further spread while supporting appliances from Abingdon, Charlbury and Chipping Norton assisted to limit damage. The fire was brought under control within two hours.

Six occupants of the large period property evacuated on discovery of the fire, however two were treated by South Central Ambulance Service; one for a suspected broken ankle and one for smoke inhalation both suffered during evacuation.

Incident Commander Station Manager Nick Bourke said ‘Crews worked hard and were able to limit the damage to the substantial three storey property, and salvage significant items of importance.

Crews will be on scene for several hours while Fire Investigation and salvage take place.

The occupants were fortunate to have a working smoke alarm which alerted them to make a safe escape and promptly call the Fire Service, which prevented a much larger incident, and serves as a reminder to ensure smoke alarms are tested regularly.’

Visit www.365alive.co.uk for fire safety advice. If you have a fire safety question please call the free phone community safety helpline on 08000 325 999 or email: community.safety@oxfordshire.gov.uk

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Political Party Press Releases

Alliance – Dunlop shocked by racist attack in Ballymena

Tue, 17 April 2012 | Northern Ireland Political Party Press Release

Contents

Dunlop shocked by racist attack in Ballymena
April 16, 2012

Alliance Ballymena Councillor Jayne Dunlop has expressed her shock after an arson attack on a flat in Ballymena is being treated as a hate crime by police. A fire was started at the flat on Galgorm Road on Sunday and graffiti was also painted.

Cllr Jayne Dunlop said: “I was shocked by this racist attack. Racism has no part in our society. I know that the vast majority of the public are appalled by this attack.

“I would like to offer my support to the person who was targeted in this attack. Northern Ireland has been extremely welcoming to thousands of people who have emigrated to our country and I hope that nobody is put off by the news of this attack.

“If anybody has any information about this hate crime then I would urge them to contact the police. The people who carried out this attack are offering nothing to our community and should be apprehended by the police urgently.”

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SDLP – O’Loan condemns racist arson attack in Ballymena

Tue, 17 April 2012 | Northern Ireland Political Party Press Release

Contents

O’Loan condemns racist arson attack in Ballymena
Mon 16th April

SDLP Ballymena Councillor Declan O’Loan has condemned a racist arson attack which occurred last night at a house on the Galgorm Road in Ballymena.

He said: “This was a very serious attack which could easily have led to loss of life. I hope and expect that the police will investigate it as attempted murder.

“It is absolutely certain that the motivation was racist as a resident who is from South Africa was the target of the attack and graffiti of a very explicit and unpleasant racist nature was painted on the building.

“It is important that we send out the message that this kind of behaviour is unacceptable in Ballymena. The best way to do that is to apprehend the culprits and put them before the courts. There are several thousand people here from other countries and they play a valued part in our community. We need to reassure them that they are welcomed in Ballymena.”

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SDLP – O’Loan condemns further attack on Ballymena apartment

Sun, 22 April 2012 | Northern Ireland Political Party Press Release

Contents

Ballymena SDLP Councillor Declan O’Loan has condemned a second arson attack within a week on an apartment at the Galgorm Road, Ballymena and has called for protection to be given to other residents in the building.

He said: “The same basement apartment has been the subject of a fire attack as was attacked last weekend.  Fortunately there was no one in the apartment on account of the previous damage.

“However other residents in the building were put at serious risk.  It is also very fortunate that the smoke alarm system functioned and alerted them in the middle of the night.  I have spoken to those residents and naturally they are very distraught and worried.

“This was a further shocking incident which could have led to loss of life.  It must be investigated very strenuously by the PSNI and I call on anyone with information to bring it forward at once.”

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Mary Glindon MP – Mary Glindon warns of the dangers of Chinese Lanterns

Thu, 19 April 2012 | Individual Politician Press Release

Contents

A Tyneside MP is warning of the dangers posed by the increasing use of Chinese lanterns.

North Tyneside MP Mary Glindon, who has been alerted to the problem by a local farmer, said: “My constituents is very worried that the lanterns drift far and wide. Some land on houses and can cause fires. Others land on fields where they break up and the small wires can then be eaten by cattle.”

Mary Glindon added: “I don’t want to be alarmist about this but I am very keen to get a better idea of how widespread a problem this. Only then can I judge if there needs to be some action taken by local authorities and the government. I understand the attraction of Chinese lanterns but it may well be that such fleeting beauty has to be balanced against real harm to people and animals.”

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Related posts:

1. DeHavilland FBU Report 09/01/2012 DeHavilland Report – Fire Brigades Union Monday, 9 January 2012...
2. FBU DeHavilland Report 30/01/2012 DeHavilland Report – Fire Brigades Union Monday, 30 January 2012...
3. DeHavilland Report – Fire Brigades Union Monday, 26 March 2012 DeHavilland Report – Fire Brigades Union Monday, 26 March 2012...

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Dear Brother/ Sister

You will be aware that HFRS has introduced a staff bank scheme, paying standard time to whole-time and RDS personnel to cover for shortages in crewing. The Fire Brigades Union has not agreed this policy and we strongly urge you not to take part in this scheme. The immediate reasons are as follows;

• Any individual agreeing to sign up to the staff bank will be accepting a rate of pay of less than that which has already been agreed nationally.

• Staff bank hours are outside of the RDS contractual obligations and without appropriate safeguards will affect pump availability at the RDS Employees home station.

• This is pre-arranged overtime to cover planned shortfalls in overall staffing levels. Such work should be paid at premium rate.

The software used by the service to justify this (process evolution) clearly shows that the more that staff numbers are reduced (through EFC) the more staff bank is required. It should also be noted that process evolution software is based on 4 riders, so it appears there is no intention to continue to support to five on a fire appliance.

The long term implications of this are very disconcerting. HFRS will rely more and more on the staff bank, recruit less, leading to a lesser Fire Service.  The FBU was the only voice which successfully campaigned to maintain five firefighters on appliances. We all know this is safer for firefighters and safer for the public, enabling early intervention to save life and property.

These proposals are outside of your existing contract of employment and as such you are being asked to sign an ‘addendum of contract’ to facilitate it. Changes to your conditions of service are a matter for negotiation. Your local FBU officials have been in dialogue with HFRS on this issue, however HFRS refuse to accept that this is a matter for negotiation or accept the status quo.  The legal advice received from Thompson’s solicitors confirms “it is clear that this is a matter for negotiation as required by circular NJC 08/07″.  This reinforces our formal position provided to HFRS.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue service has a vision to be the best fire and rescue service in the country by 2015, a vision which I’m sure we would all agree on.  However, this can only be achieved by responding to incidents with the appropriate crewing levels. We owe it to the public and ourselves to protect our fire service to be able to deliver the service we all deserve.

We have been informed that only a handful of firefighters have signed up for the staff bank. Let’s show a united front.

Say NO to the staff bank!

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Workers’ Memorial Day 2012

The TUC is calling on UK health and safety representatives, trades councils and safety campaigners to make 28 April 2012 a National Day of Action to defend health and safety from the attacks on regulation, enforcement, cuts and refusal to tackle the massive toll that health and safety breaches take on workers.

The national union body notes: “Our health and our safety is under attack like never before and we must defend it, for our sake and that of future generations.”

TUC has assembled a top class package of resources to help organise, publicise and effectively run events. Available on the TUC website, you’ll find a series of briefings giving all the facts and figures you’ll ever need to win an argument for better regulation and enforcement, an infographic spelling this out at-a-glance, guides on dealing with the press and lobbying MPs, a listings of events nationwide.

The Hazards Campaign is encouraging and supporting what is set to be a record number of events nationwide.

Get kitted out with Hazards Campaign ribbons, posters, lapel/stationery stickers,window stickers and ‘We didn’t vote to die at work’ t-shirts  – the perfect attire for a 28 April event. For further information email the Hazards Campaign or phone 0161 636 7557.

If you want updates on what is going on worldwide on 28 April – the globe’s largest health and safety event – have a look at the ITUC/Hazards Workers’ Memorial Day worldwide list of events and resources

Workers’ Memorial Day Hazards Campaign resources

http://www.hazardscampaign.org.uk/wmd/

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Mentions

Scotland

• Scottish Parliament debates Remploy (United Kingdom Government Response)

Political Party Press Releases

• TUSC – Prominent construction activist Mick Dooley stands for Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition in the London elections

Non-governmental and International Organisation Press Releases

• Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) – Leading trade unionists prepare to stand in the London elections against the policies of pay cuts for working people and tax cuts for the rich

Fire Services

Central Government and Agencies

• DCLG – Securing the future of the Fire Service College
• DCLG – Lose some sleep but save a life this weekend – When you change your clock, test your smoke alarm

House of Commons

Statements

• Neill, Robert makes statement on Fire Service College

House of Commons Questions

• Brooke – Fire Services (Income Tax)
• Brooke – Income Tax (Firefighters and Local Government Staff)
• Burley – Schools (Fire Sprinklers)
• Swales – Prisons (Arsons and assaults)
• Farron – Fire Services (income tax)
• Irranca-Davies – Emergency Calls
• Lavery – Prisons (Fires)
• Flint – Fire Services (flood control duty)
• Ellman – Fire Service (impact of reduction in finance)
• Ellwood – Fire Service finance (communication interoperability)
• Irranca-Davies – Fire Service response times (rural areas)

Non-governmental and International Organisation Press Releases

• Local Government Association (LGA) – Public support outsourcing of key fire brigade services, according to new poll

Other

• DCLG – Fire and Rescue Service Operational Guidance – Incidents in Tunnels and Underground Structures
• DCLG – Fire and Rescue Service Operational Guidance – Railway Incidents

Regions

Scotland

• Thompson – Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service (Best-value Audit)

Non-governmental and International Organisation Press Releases

• Chief Fire Officers Association – CFOA applauds Notts gallantry awards

Mentions

Scotland

Scottish Parliament debates Remploy (United Kingdom Government Response)

Thu, 22 March 2012 | Scottish Parliament – Debate

…Last week, I started a campaign, backed by Community, the GMB and the Fire Brigades Union, for the Scottish Government to take one simple step to secure the future of Remploy factories in Scotland. The campaign asks the Scottish Government to commit to procuring new police and fire unifor…

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Political Party Press Releases

TUSC – Prominent construction activist Mick Dooley stands for Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition in the London elections

Tue, 20 March 2012 | Political Party Press Release

…ay 21 March 7.15pm at the Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church, 235 Shaftesbury Avenue London WC2H 8EP. The main speakers will be Bob Crow, general secretary rail union RMT; Matt Wrack, general secretary FBU; Alex Gordon, president RMT & TUSC candidate; Ian Leahair, FBU national executive & TUSC candidate; April Ashley, Unison national executive & TUSC candidate in a personal…
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Non-governmental and International Organisation Press Releases

Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) – Leading trade unionists prepare to stand in the London elections against the policies of pay cuts for working people and tax cuts for the rich

Mon, 19 March 2012 | Campaign Organisation Press Release

…ay 21 March 7.15pm at the Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church, 235 Shaftesbury Avenue London WC2H 8EP. The main speakers will be Bob Crow, general secretary rail union RMT; Matt Wrack, general secretary FBU; Alex Gordon, president RMT & TUSC candidate; Ian Leahair, FBU national executive & TUSC candidate; April Ashley, Unison national executive & TUSC candidate in a personal…
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Fire Services

Central Government and Agencies

DCLG – Securing the future of the Fire Service College

Thu, 22 March 2012 | Departmental Press Release

Contents

Fire and Rescue Minister Bob Neill has today announced the next steps in securing the future of the Fire Service College. Following a successful pre-market engagement exercise, the Fire Service College will be sold to a private sector company to continue operating as a training centre.

To ensure best value for money for hard-pressed taxpayers and enable the College to continue in its role a number of conditions will be imposed on the proposed sale. These include commitments that not only will the College be preserved as a national training college for the Fire and Rescue Service but that it will continue to offer wider national resilience and emergency services training and exercises.

Bob Neill said:

“The Fire Service College is an asset of national importance, with a world-class reputation and it is vital that we secure its future.

“My decision means that the private sector will be able to bring innovation and investment to the College, benefiting taxpayers, local residents, the Fire and Rescue Service and, ultimately, strengthening national resilience.

“I know there is real excitement about this opportunity out there in the market and I look forward to seeing some strong bids when the process opens.”

Notes to editors

1. The Fire Service College is a trading fund and executive agency of the Department for Communities and Local Government. Since becoming a trading fund in 1992, it has never been able to pay a dividend out of operating profits. This situation cannot persist and the Government’s response to Fire Futures on 12 April 2011 concluded that the College could achieve its full potential only if there was greater involvement from other sectors in its ownership, operation and governance.

2. The Future Options project considered four options for the future of the College:

· The status quo: the College remains as a trading fund of the Department

· A Government Owned Contractor Operated model: the assets remain under Government ownership but management of the College is taken over by a private sector company under a long term contract, together with the staff

· Disposal as a going concern: the College is sold to a private sector company who would continue to operate the College as a training centre

· Closure: the College’s activities cease, staff are made redundant and the site is sold for an alternative use.

Analysis of the four options showed disposal as a going concern to be the best option. It is the only option which both fully removes from Government the ongoing financial risks of ownership of the College and preserves a national training college for the Fire and Rescue Service.

3. A pre-market engagement exercise has been conducted to invite the views of external partners and to assess the level of private sector interest in the College. There has been real interest in this solution and we expect the College to go to market in early April 2012.

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DCLG – Lose some sleep but save a life this weekend – When you change your clock, test your smoke alarm

Tue, 20 March 2012 | Departmental Press Release

Contents

The Fire Kills campaign is urging people to make a potentially life-saving move when they change their clocks on Sunday 25 March – by taking a moment to test their smoke alarm too.

Love it or loathe it, the twice-yearly clock change is a routine part of everyone’s lives. Losing that extra hour’s sleep on Sunday 25 March may not be appealing, but turning the clocks forward will already be on the ‘to-do’ list of nearly all UK households.

But while we all keep our clocks up-to-time and working, it’s shocking to realise that many people don’t bother to do the simplest of tests to ensure the safety of themselves and their loved ones from the danger of fire.

A working smoke alarm can buy you valuable time to get out, stay out and call 999. But just half of all householders who own a smoke alarm say that they test it to make sure it’s working on a regular basis.

You’re four times more likely to die in a fire if your smoke alarm is not working. So it’s clear that the simple act of testing your alarm should be a vital part of any household routine.

There were 31,477 accidental fires in the home in England last year, which resulted in 214 deaths and 6,526 injuries. The Fire Kills Campaign hopes that by adding this simple check to everyone’s clock-change routine, many more lives could be saved.

The Government’s Chief Fire and Rescue Adviser Sir Ken Knight said:

“Everyone soon notices when a clock stops ticking, but it’s not so easy to be sure that your smoke alarm is still in working order. Whether the battery is flat, has been removed for a kid’s toy or the connection is loose, everyone should take the time to test their smoke alarm – it doesn’t take long at all.

“You’re four times more likely to die in a fire without a working smoke alarm, but only half of people who own one say they take the time to check it regularly.

“We’re all losing sleep at the start of British Summer Time, but testing your smoke alarm could save you from losing a lot more. As you put your clocks forward over the weekend, take an extra moment to push the button – it could save your life.”

Chief Executive of The Fire Fighters Charity John Parry said:

“Our charity aims to make a positive difference by supporting people in the fire and rescue community when they are in need. We know just how hard the fire service works to prevent fires from starting in the first place, so we are urging people to heed the advice of their local fire fighters now that British Summer Time is upon us. When you put your clocks forward this March, please take an extra moment to push the button on your smoke alarm to make sure it’s working properly – it could save your life and that of your family.”

Listen out for radio and press adverts supporting the ‘When you change your clocks, Test your smoke alarm’ campaign. An online video has also been released showing a mantelpiece clock melting in the heat of a house fire – bringing home the harsh reality of the consequences of a fire in the home. Find it at: http://bit.ly/FKclock (external link).

Find out more on the Fire Kills Facebook page: www.facebook.com/firekills (external link).

If you have an elderly relative or are a carer for somebody less able to test their smoke alarm, why not offer to do it for them? It only takes a minute.

Help keep yourself and your loved ones safe in the home by following these simple steps:

· A working smoke alarm can buy you valuable time to get out, stay out and call 999. Make sure you fit one on every level of your home and test them regularly.

· Make testing your smoke alarm part of your household routine. Test the alarm by pressing the button regularly; change your battery once a year or invest in a 10-year alarm; and clean the alarm casing twice a year to ensure dust isn’t blocking the sensor.

· Whatever happens, never remove the battery in your smoke alarm.

· Make sure that everyone in your home knows what to do in a fire and practise your escape route.

· For more information visit the Fire Kills campaign’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/firekills (external link).

If you want an extra nudge to test your smoke alarm regularly, try setting an automatic reminder. Safelincs, in partnership with Fire Kills, has created a free service that reminds you, by email or text, when it’s time to test your smoke alarm, change the battery or renew the unit. The service is completely free and can be cancelled at any time: www.safelincs.co.uk/reminders (external link).

Notes to editors

1. British Summer Time begins on the last Sunday in March. This year the clocks go forward at 1.00 am on 25 March, moving forward to 2.00 am across the UK.

2. There were 31,477 accidental fires in the home in England last year, which resulted in 214 deaths and 6,526 injuries. (Source: Fire Statistics Monitor: April 2010 to March 2011www.communities.gov.uk/publications/corporate/statistics/monitorq1q42011).

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House of Commons

Statements

Neill, Robert makes statement on Fire Service College

Thu, 22 March 2012 | House of Commons – Written Ministerial Statements

Summary

The following written statement was made in the House of Commons on 22 March 2012.

Contents

Fire Service College

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (Robert Neill): The Government’s response to Fire Futures on 12 April 2011 said that the college can achieve its full potential only if there is greater involvement from other sectors (whether private, public or voluntary) in its ownership, operation and governance and that we would

“explore with the sector and other organisations options to secure the future of the Fire Service College”.

Using evidence gained from the pre-market engagement to better inform our view of market appetite and taking into account the review commissioned by the Local Government Association, we concluded disposal as a going concern to the private sector was the best option to secure the future of the college.

The Fire Service College is a trading fund and Executive agency of the Department. Since becoming a trading fund in 1992, it has never been able to pay a dividend out of operating profits. This situation cannot persist and the Government’s response to Fire Futures on 12 April 2011 concluded that the college could achieve its full potential only if there was greater involvement from other sectors in its ownership, operation and governance.

With the college freed from the constraints of Government ownership, a private sector owner can bring innovation and investment to the college, benefiting taxpayers, local residents, the fire and rescue service and, ultimately, strengthening national resilience.

The Future Options project considered four options for the future of the college:

The status quo—The college remains as a trading fund of the Department.

A Government owned contractor operated model—The assets remain under Government ownership but management of the college is taken over by a private sector company under a long-term contract, together with the staff.

Disposal as a going concern—The college is sold to a private sector company who would continue to operate the college as a training centre.

Closure—The college’s activities cease, staff are made redundant and the site is sold for an alternative use.

Analysis of the four options showed disposal as a going concern to be the best option. It is the only option which both fully removes from Government the ongoing financial risks of ownership of the college and preserves a national training college for the fire and rescue service.

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House of Commons Questions

Brooke – Fire Services (Income Tax)

Thu, 22 March 2012 | House of Commons – Written Answer

Contents

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will estimate the number of firefighters in each (a) region and (b) local authority area who will no longer pay income tax following the increase in the personal allowance to £8,105 in April 2012.[101545]

Robert Neill: My Department does not hold information on the pay of individual firefighters.

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Brooke – Income Tax (Firefighters and Local Government Staff)

Wed, 21 March 2012 | House of Commons – Written Answer

Contents

Annette Brooke: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will estimate the number of firefighters in each (a) region and (b) local authority area who will no longer be eligible to pay income tax once the income tax threshold is set at £10,000; [101228]
(2) if he will estimate the number of firefighters who benefited from the increase in the personal allowance of income tax in 2011-12; and if he will estimate the likely number of firefighters who will benefit from the increase in 2012-13; [101229]
(3) if he will estimate the number of local government staff in each (a) region and (b) local authority area who will no longer be eligible to pay income tax following the increase in the personal allowance in April 2012; [101230]
(4) if he will estimate the number of local government staff in each (a) region and (b) local authority area who will no longer be eligible to pay income tax once the income tax threshold is set at £10,000; [101231]
(5) if he will estimate the number of local government staff who benefited from the increase in the personal allowance of income tax in 2011-12; and if he will estimate the likely number of local government staff who will benefit from the increase in 2012-13.[101232]
Mr Gauke: The June 2010 Budget announced a £1,000 cash increase in the personal allowance for under 65s to £7,475 in 2011-1-2 (£820 above the previous Government’splans), with the benefits focused on individuals on low and middle incomes through accompanying changes to the basic rate limit and national insurance upper earnings and profit limits.The 2011 Budget announced a £630 cash increase in the personal allowance for under 65s to £8,105 in 2012-13 (£240 above indexation), with an equivalent reduction in the basic rate limit to leave the higher rate threshold unchanged.As a result of these measures, the Government estimate that 22.6 million basic rate taxpayers will benefit in 2011 -12, among which 830,000 of the lowest income taxpayers will be removed from tax altogether.In 2012-13 the Government estimate that 25 million taxpayers will benefit, among which 260,000 of the lowest income taxpayers will be removed from tax altogether.These estimates are based on the 2007-08 Survey of Personal Incomes, projected using economic assumptions consistent with the Office for Budget Responsibility’s March 2011 economic and fiscal outlook.The information requested is not available specifically for fire fighters or local government staff.The Government are committed to supporting lower and middle income earners by raising the personal allowance to £10,000, and removing the lowest income individuals out of income tax.
Decisions on future changes in the personal allowance will be taken as part of the annual Budget process in the context of the wider public finances.

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Burley – Schools (Fire Sprinklers)

Wed, 21 March 2012 | House of Commons – Written Answer

Contents

Mr Burley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what recent representations his Department has received on the mandatory installation of fire sprinklers in new school buildings.[100266]
Mr Gibb: The Department has not received any recent direct representations on the mandatory installation of fire sprinklers in new school buildings.
We have recently received a copy of a letter from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Services to the principal of Staffordshire University Academy and others about sprinklers.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools, my noble Friend Lord Hill of Oareford, will be responding in due course.
We did recently consult on proposals to revise the school premises regulations: included in this was a proposal to remove specific references to fire safety in schools, as such requirements are adequately covered in the Regulatory reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Around 14% of respondents objected to this proposal.

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Swales – Prisons (Arsons and assaults)

Tue, 20 March 2012 | House of Commons – Written Answer

Contents

Ian Swales: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many cases of (a) arson and (b) assault there were by prison establishment in each of the last 10 years.[100929]
Mr Blunt: The numbers of assault incidents by prison establishment are published in the annual Safety in Custody Statistics bulletin.
Available figures, covering the period up to 2010 are shown in the following table.
The figures for 2011 are due to be published in July 2012.Fire incidents are monitored and recorded locally in each prison.
This information is held on central systems but data on arson by establishment have not yet been compiled for reporting.
A new system for monitoring health and safety incidents, including those related to fire, was introduced in 2010.
This will improve the range of central reporting available.

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Farron – Fire Services (income tax)

Tue, 20 March 2012 | House of Commons – Written Answer

Contents

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will estimate the number of fire fighters in each (a) region and (b) local authority area who will no longer be eligible to pay income tax following the increase in their personal allowance in April 2012.[101094]

Robert Neill: My Department does not collect information on the pay of individual firefighters.

Click here to view the source of this item online.
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Irranca-Davies – Emergency Calls

Mon, 19 March 2012 | House of Commons – Written Answer

Contents

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average length of time was for an ambulance 999 response in rural areas in the latest period for which figures are available.[100449]

Mr Simon Burns: This information is not centrally collected.
The Department collects data on the response time performance of ambulance trusts in England.
The data are collected at ambulance trust level and do not distinguish between rural and urban areas.In January 2012, performance against the ‘A8′ target (75% of Category A immediately life-threatening calls should receive a response within eight minutes) was 77.9% in England.
Performance against the ‘A19′ target (95% of Category A patients requiring transport should receive this within 19 minutes of the request for transport being made) was 97.0% in England.

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Lavery – Prisons (Fires)

Mon, 19 March 2012 | House of Commons – Written Answer

Contents

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many cell fires have been reported since 2010; and if he will list the prisons where the incidents took place.[100995]

Mr Blunt: From 1 January 2010 to the 29 February 2012 there have been 1,445 fires in prisons in England and Wales.(1) The following lists the prisons where the incidents took place.(1) These figures have been drawn from live administrative data systems which may be amended at any time.
Although care is taken when processing and analysing the returns, the detail collected is subject to the inaccuracies inherent in any large scale recording system.EstablishmentAcklingtonAlbanyAltcourseAshfieldAylesburyBedfordBelmarshBirminghamBlundestonBrinsfordBristolBrixtonBronzefieldBuckley HallBullingdonBull wood HallBureCamp HillCanterburyCardiffCastingtonChannings WoodColdingleyCookham WoodDeerboltDoncasterDorchesterDover ImmigrationDovegateDownviewDurhamEastwood ParkEdmunds HillElmleyErlestokeEverthorpeExeterFeatherstoneFelthamForest BankFoston HallFranklandFull SuttonGarthGartreeGlen ParvaGloucesterGrendonGuys MarshHaveriggHewellHighdownHighpointHindleyHollowayHolme HouseHullIsisKingstonLancaster FarmsLatchmere HouseLeedsLeicesterLewesLeyhillLincolnLindholmeLittleheyLiverpoolLong LartinLow NewtonLowdham GrangeMaidstoneManchesterMoorland (Closed)Morton HallNew HallNorthallertonNorwichNottinghamOnleyParcParkhurstPentonvillePeterboroughPeterborough (Female)PortlandPrestonRanbyReadingRisleyRochesterRye HillShrewsburyStaffordStandford HillStockenStoke HeathStyalSwalesideSwanseaSwinfen HallThe MountThe VerneWakefieldWandsworthWarren HillWaylandWealstunWellingboroughWellingtonWetherbyWhartonWhitemoorWinchesterWoodhillWormwood ScrubsWymottWolds

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Flint – Fire Services (flood control duty)

Mon, 19 March 2012 | House of Commons – Written Answer

Contents

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will make it his policy to impose on the fire and rescue services a statutory duty to assist with flooding.[100265]

Robert Neill: The Government expect shortly to reach a conclusion as to whether flood rescue needs to be explicitly a statutory duty of fire and rescue authorities.
We have recently discussed with partners our view that there needs to be flexibility to agree locally the most suitable approach to dealing with flooding, normally through the local resilience forum, rather than impose a statutory duty on only one of the many organisations that would respond to a flooding emergency.
This would reflect the principles that underpin the draft Fire and Rescue National Framework for England, consultation on which concludes today.

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Ellman – Fire Service (impact of reduction in finance)

Mon, 19 March 2012 | House of Commons – Written Answer

Contents

Mrs Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what impact assessment his Department carried out on the potentialeffects on fire and rescue services of planned reductions in years three and four of the spending review.[100702]

Robert Neill: We expect to announce the 2013-14 settlement for fire and rescue authorities at around the same time frame as usual.
Statutory consultation on the 2013-14 settlement will start around late-November/early-December.
Ministers will then take final decisions on the allocations and these will be announced in mid- to late-January.An assessment of the distributional impact on the level of spending power for each single purpose fire and rescue authority will be made in early 2013.I also refer the hon.
Member to my letter of 6 December 2010 to the hon.
Member for Derby North (Chris Williamson), a copy of which is available in the Library of the House, which outlines how fire and rescue authorities can make sensible savings without impacting on the quality and breadth of services offered to their communities.

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Ellwood – Fire Service finance (communication interoperability)

Mon, 19 March 2012 | House of Commons – Written Answer

Contents

Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what funding he has recently provided to fire and rescue services to improve communication interoperability; what outcomes he expects as a result of such funding; and if he will make a statement.[100498]

Robert Neill: I refer my hon.
Friend to my written ministerial statement of 1 March 2012, Official Report, column 37-39WS.

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Irranca-Davies – Fire Service response times (rural areas)

Mon, 19 March 2012 | House of Commons – Written Answer

Contents

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the average length of time was for a fire service 999 response in rural areas in the latest period for which figures are available.[100450]

Robert Neill: Response times are available for fire and rescue authority areas.
The latest period for which data are available is 2010-11.
These are shown in the following table for the 15 fire and rescue authority areas deemed to be predominantly rural by the official urban/rural classification.

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Non-governmental and International Organisation Press Releases

Local Government Association (LGA) – Public support outsourcing of key fire brigade services, according to new poll

Tue, 20 March 2012 | Campaign Organisation Press Release

Contents

More than half of the public support the outsourcing of some key fire brigade services, including carrying out home safety checks and fitting smoke alarms, new research shows.

An opinion poll carried out for LGA ahead of its annual fire conference in Bournemouth today (Tuesday) found that while a majority of people thought it should always be the responsibility of firefighters to respond to emergency calls and attend incidents, they were happy to see some other fire service functions outsourced to other organisations.

According to the online survey of 1,785 people in England carried out last weekend:

79 per cent thought that other organisations and businesses could take on work done by fire authorities to work with young people to prevent anti-social behaviour and offending.

75 per cent said they would be happy to see fire service management and administration outsourced.

58 per cent said that home safety checks could be carried out by other businesses and organisations.

56 per cent said other businesses and organisations could take on the role of fitting smoke alarms in the community.

An overwhelming majority (92 per cent) thought the key role of putting out fires and responding to fires should always be carried out by firefighters.

Along with other public sector organisations, Fire and Rescue Authorities are having to make efficiencies and are looking for new ways to save money to maintain services.

Protecting the frontline by finding new approaches to fire authority functions will be on the agenda at the LGA’s two-day fire conference.

Cllr Brian Coleman, Chairman of the LGA’s Fire Services Management Committee, said:

“To keep protecting the millions of people who rely on us, while dealing with substantial cuts to our budgets, we must find new and bold ways of doing things.

“Asking for more money is not an option so we need to concentrate on getting the most out of every pound. This means everything needs to be on the table, including mergers of fire services, closer working with other emergency services and outsourcing some of the service we provide.

“These opinion poll findings prove that, as long as the support is there, the public don’t mind who it is that carries out safety checks on their home or comes round to fit a smoke alarm.

“Many fire authorities are already making huge strides at making savings while maintaining the standard of protection and level of support they provide to their local areas. Now is the time for radical change and fresh thinking to ensure that the public get the best protection and the best value for money.”

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

1 ComRes surveyed 1,785 adults in England online between 9 and 11 March 2012. Data were weighted to be demographically representative of all adults in England. ComRes is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Data can be downloaded at: http://www.comres.co.uk

2 The Local Government Association Annual Fire Conference and Exhibition 2012 takes place on Tuesday 20 March and Wednesday 21 March at the Highcliff Marriott Hotel, St Michael’s Road, Westcliff, Bournemouth. Over two days, Fire Minister Bob Neill MP, fire authority chairmen and chief officers, top councillors and leading lights in the fire industry will come together to discuss key issues in the sector. The full agenda is available at: http://www.local.gov.uk/web/guest/events/-/journal_content/56/10161/16924/EVENT-TEMPLATE

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Other

DCLG – Fire and Rescue Service Operational Guidance – Incidents in Tunnels and Underground Structures

Fri, 23 March 2012 | Report Publication

Summary

DCLG has published a report titled ‘Fire and Rescue Service Operational Guidance – Incidents in Tunnels and Underground Structures’ today.

Click to View

If you are having problems accessing this report please paste the following into your browser: http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/fire/pdf/2112377.pdf

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DCLG – Fire and Rescue Service Operational Guidance – Railway Incidents

Fri, 23 March 2012 | Report Publication

Summary

DCLG has published a report titled ‘Fire and Rescue Service Operational Guidance – Railway Incidents’ today.

Click to View

If you are having problems accessing this report please paste the following into your browser: http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/fire/pdf/2112404.pdf

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Regions

Scotland

Thompson – Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service (Best-value Audit)

Thu, 22 March 2012 | Scottish Parliament – Oral Question

Contents

Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service (Best-value Audit)

Dave Thompson (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (SNP):

4. To ask the Scottish Government what steps it has taken to assist Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service following the recent Audit Scotland report, “Audit of Best Value: Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue”. (S4O-00842)

The Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs (Roseanna Cunningham): I have been taking a close interest in this issue, and I welcome the work of the peer support team and other services that are being offered to Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service. I understand that the service is already addressing issues that have been raised.

Dave Thompson: The important thing here is public safety. Will the minister do all that she can to help Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service to ensure safe coverage across the area until all fire stations are brought up to standard?

Roseanna Cunningham: It is the case that safety—of the community and of the officers in the service, whether they be full time, retained or volunteer—is paramount. The chief inspector, my officials and senior officers from other fire services are all in regular contact with the service to find out how it can best be helped. I spoke to the convener of the Highlands and Islands fire board not long ago.
Of course, this is primarily a matter for the board, but I am willing to consider any requests for further help that are made.

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Non-governmental and International Organisation Press Releases

Chief Fire Officers Association – CFOA applauds Notts gallantry awards

Fri, 23 March 2012 | Campaign Organisation Press Release

Contents

Press Release

President of the Chief Fire Officers’ Association, Lee Howell was delighted to congratulate four Nottinghamshire firefighters who are to be awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal following an announcement made earlier today. Hearing the news, Lee Howell said, “On behalf of the Chief Fire Officers’ Association, I am enormously proud to offer our congratulations to Andrew Alexander, Sanjeev Mohla, Daniel Wareham and Matthew Willis in recognition of their immense courage and bravery. We all applaud the incredible selflessness they have shown.”

The four firefighters from Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service work out of Stockhill Fire Station. As they were on their way to another incident in June 2010, a major gas explosion occurred at a house on their route. Despite the risk of further explosion the firefighters entered the property and rescued two critically injured adults.

Lee Howell added, “The actions of these firefighters are a credit to our profession and this incredible act of bravery and quick thinking deserves to be recognised in this way. I would like to join Frank Swann, Chief Fire Officer of Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service in commending this tremendous act of gallantry.”

Notes to Editor:

The Chief Fire Officers’ Association (CFOA)

CFOA is the professional voice of the UK fire and rescue service, supporting its members to fulfil their leadership role in protecting our local communities and making life safer through improved service delivery. CFOA provides professional advice to inform government policy and is committed to developing both strategic and technical guidance and sharing notable practice within the wider FRS.

Membership of the Association comprises almost all the senior management of fire and rescue services in the United Kingdom. CFOA is the driving force in managing change and implementing reforms in the service.

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If you are a FBU member in Hampshire, or wish to Join the only union fighting to defend your pension.  You cannot afford to miss this meeting!!!CLICK HERE FOR PENSION POSTER

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The Fire Brigades Union inBerkshire has strongly condemned the decision taken by Royal Berkshire Fire Authority (RBFA) to accept the Governments ‘one off’ Council Tax Freeze Grant rather than increase the council tax precept.

At its Budget setting meeting on 15^th February 2012 members of the Fire Authority voted in favour of accepting the Council Tax Freeze Grant instead of opting for a modest increase of just 3.5% to its share of the council tax. That rise would have equated to just £1.95 for a band D household and given Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) a stable financial footing for the future.

Without this much needed money being placed in the Fire Authority’s base budget, there is now the potential for further cuts. Efficiency savings are already hitting RBFRS hard and the future has become even bleaker. This can only affect the performance of the brigade, which is already failing in certain areas.

Maurice Whyte, Berkshire FBU Brigade Chair, said ‘In deciding not to raise the precept, the Fire Authority has missed the opportunity to put vital funds into its base budget. The people ofBerkshire now face potential cutbacks and may not get the service that they deserve in future years. Put simply, the Fire Authority has baulked at making the right decision at the right time and this is something we shall pay for later in terms of an efficient and effective fire service.’

At the same meeting the Fire Authority decided to re-engage the Chief Fire Officer,Iain Cox, when he eventually retires. The Fire Brigades Union welcomes this decision as it will give RBFRS continuity in a tumultuous period of financial uncertainty and unprecedented cuts in public funding.

Mark Stollery, Berkshire FBU Brigade Secretary, said ‘This is a good decision and one that will give much needed stability toBerkshire at a time of upheaval in the fire service.’ He added, ‘We have worked closely with Chief Fire Officer Cox in previous years and whilst we don’t always agree we have established a good relationship with him.  We look forward to building on this relationship and ensuring that firefighters work in safe conditions to deliver a first class service to the residents ofBerkshire.’

Press contacts:-

Brigade Secretary

Mark Stollery

07917 065868

Brigade Chair

Maurice Whyte

07917 065867

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Immediate release 9 February

FBU SAYS PENSIONS PROPOSALS ARE “UNACCEPTABLE”, MOVE TO CONSULT FIRE CREWS AND RECOMMEND RAPID MOVE TO PREPARE A NATIONAL STRIKE BALLOT

The Fire Brigades Union says the Government’s pension proposals are unacceptable and are consulting fire crews with a recommendation there is a rapid move to prepare a strike ballot. The union says it is committed to further dialogue and called on Government to address the issues raised and evidence provided by the union rather than ignoring them.

The proposals are unacceptable in that they include:

• Unaffordable and unfair contribution rates
• A totally unrealistic retirement age for firefighters (60)
• An unsustainable scheme for the fire service.

Contribution rates are set to rise by 2014 from 11% to between 14.2% for firefighters and up to 16% for fire service officers. They face EXTRA payments of between £2,000 and £7,200 over the next three years alone.

Over the next three years wholetime firefighters will pay an extra £2,000, watch managers £2,700, station managers £4,000, fires service group managers up to £7,200.

FBU General Secretary Matt Wrack said: “These are unfair and unaffordable contribution hikes. We’re facing five years of a pay freeze and a pay squeeze at a time of serious inflation.

“There is a real danger these huge hikes will trigger an exodus from the scheme. That means a drop in the money coming and less to pay for pensions going out.

“The entire scheme could rapidly become unstable leaving the taxpayer to fill the gap. Instead of savings the taxpayer will be paying more money.

“A pension age of 60 for firefighters is unrealistic and that is obvious to all of us. Everyone in the fire service is saying that 60 year olds can’t work as frontline fire crews.

“We never rush into a ballot for national strike action and have constructively engaged in all talks. We need Government to start addressing the evidence we have presented them which supports all we are saying.”

MEDIA CONTACT 07736 818100 OR 0208 541 1765

What it will mean:

From 2015 in the proposed new scheme the Government’s current proposals would mean:

Firefighters will pay £900 more than they do now EVERY year

Watch managers will pay £1,200 more than they do now EVERY year

Station managers will pay £1,900 more than they do now EVERY year

Group managers will pay £2,500 more than they do now EVERY year

Area managers will pay £3,000 more than they do now EVERY year.

*all figures are for those with a ‘protected’ normal retirement age for those in the main Firefighters Pensions Scheme at today’s pay rates.

Firefighters in other schemes will also be paying more. One of the biggest hikes is for those in the New (2006) scheme who face increases from 8.5% now to 13.2% in the scheme the Government plans to be in place by 2015. It means their contributions rising from £2,820 a year currently to £3,722 every a jump of £1,325 a year more

Retained firefighters on £10,000 pensionable pay would pay £470 a year more than today.

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This document sets out the parameters to govern scheme design for the Firefighters’ Pension Scheme in England to be introduced from April 2015 (‘the 2015 scheme’) is attached below.

After a lengthy discussion the following statement has been agreed:

Executive Council statement: pension proposals

The Executive Council has now received the proposals for fire service pensions. We are disappointed that the significant body of evidence presented by the Fire Brigades Union during these discussions appears to have been ignored.

We believe these proposals to be unacceptable in that they include:

·         Unaffordable and unfair contribution rates.

·         A totally unrealistic retirement age for firefighters.

·         An unsustainable scheme for the fire service.

The Executive Council will now consult members through branches and our committee structure. The Executive Council recommends that there is a rapid move to prepare a strike ballot and that further discussion should finalise the details of this. The Executive Council will meet again in three weeks, after consulting members, to consider developments.

We remain committed to maintaining dialogue and hope that the government will now resolve the matter through properly engaging on the issues raised during discussions.

Click here for FPS Heads of Agreement

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Mentions

Scotland

• S4M-01529 – Fire Brigades Union Equipment from Dundee Arrives in Nablus (updated)

Fire Services

House of Commons

House of Commons Questions

• Parish – Sky Lanterns
• Ellwood – Fire Services Training
• Brady – Fire Services Finance
• Brady – Metropolitan Fire Services
• Jackson, S – Fire Services in the East of England
• Jackson, S – Eastern Region Fire Control Centre in Waterbeach

House of Lords

• Harrison – Fire safety (new housing developments)
• Harrison – Fire safety (domestic fire causes)
• Harrison – Fire Safety (Research Projects)
• Harrison – Fire Safety (Cigarettes)

Regions

Central Government and Agencies

• Wales Audit Office – Annual Improvement report on South Wales Fire and Rescue Authority
• Wales Audit Office – Annual Improvement report on Vale of Glamorgan Council
• London Conservative – Coleman calls for £500m saving by merging London’s blue-light fire and ambulance services

Scotland

• Audit Scotland – Central Fire & Rescue – Best Value audit

Political Party Press Releases

• SDLP – McClelland concerned by Glengormley Fire

Other

• National Statistics – Fire Statistics Monitor Wales, Quarters 2 and 3, 2011

Mentions

Scotland

S4M-01529 – Fire Brigades Union Equipment from Dundee Arrives in Nablus (updated)

Wed, 25 January 2012 | Scottish Parliament – Motion Lodged

Scottish Motion Tabled
*S4M-01529 Joe FitzPatrick: Fire Brigades Union Equipment from Dundee Arrives in Nablus

That the Parliament congratulates the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) on successfully delivering…

…00 pairs of fire gauntlets, all of which were generously donated to Dundee’s twin city, Nablus; notes the vital role played by Jim Malone, Gavin Barrie, John Docherty, Dave Kay and Steve Harman of the FBU who made the 2,500 mile journey across Europe; acknowledges the role played by Adly Yaish, the Mayor of Nablus, in enabling the engine to complete its journey from Haifa to Nablus, as well as what it…

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Fire Services

House of Commons

House of Commons Questions

Parish – Sky Lanterns

Tue, 24 January 2012 | House of Commons – Written Answer

Contents

Neil Parish: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps the Government is taking to limit the effect of sky lanterns on (a) crops, (b) coastguard and (c) fire services.[91411]

Richard Benyon: The Government recognise that there are problems with the release of sky lanterns, including fire risks or false call-outs to coastguards if people seeing the lanterns think they are emergency flares.
Our approach is to raise public awareness and ask people, wherever they are, to think before they use them, including contacting the Coastguard if they are planning to launch these lanterns near the coast.

Click here to view the source of this item online.
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Ellwood – Fire Services Training

Tue, 24 January 2012 | House of Commons – Written Answer

Contents

Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether he plans to review the level of joint training undertaken by fire and ambulance services.[91064]

Robert Neill[holding answer 20 January 2012]
: My Department is working with other Government Departments and the emergency services to improve joint ways of working in response to particular identified risks.
In particular, in response to the Report of the Coroner’s Inquests into the London bombings of 7 July 2005, the Government agreed that it would co-ordinate a wider review of multi-agency considerations in single-service training.
The Cabinet Office are co-ordinating this review and will ensure that results are made available once it is completed.

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Brady – Fire Services Finance

Tue, 24 January 2012 | House of Commons – Written Answer

Contents

Mr Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate he has made of the percentage efficiency savings achieved in each fire authority area since 2004.[91600]

Robert Neill: On coming into power the coalition Government decided to cease the burdensome requirement on fire and rescue authorities to report to Government their efficiency savings.
As well as imposing an administrative burden, such notional figures were also potentially misleading.
As the delivery of fire services—including efficiency savings—are a local matter, determined by individual fire and rescue authorities, no formal assessment of efficiency savings since 2004 has been undertaken by the coalition Government.Fire and rescue authorities are accountable to their communities; they publish their expenditure so people can see how costs and savings are arrived at.

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Brady – Metropolitan Fire Services

Tue, 24 January 2012 | House of Commons – Written Answer

Contents

Mr Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment he has made of the potential effect of proposed funding reductions for Metropolitan fire services on their capacity to secure (a) specialist equipment and (b) capability for national resilience.[91598]

Robert Neill: As the delivery of fire services—including national resilience—are a local matter, determined by individual fire and rescue authorities, no formal assessment of the effect on metropolitan fire and rescue services has been undertaken by the Department for Communities and Local Government.I also refer my hon.
Friend to my letter of 6 December 2010 to the hon.
Member for Derby North (Chris Williamson), a copy of which is available in the Library of the House, which outlines how fire and rescue authorities can make sensible savings without impacting on the quality and breadth of services offered to their communities.

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Jackson, S – Fire Services in the East of England

Mon, 23 January 2012 | House of Commons – Written Answer

Contents

Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what plans he has for the disposal of the Eastern Region Fire Control Centre building in Waterbeach, Cambridgeshire; and if he will make a statement.[91008]

Robert Neill: I am due to meet Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Authority shortly, to discuss a number of issues including the future of the control centre building at Waterbeach, Cambridgeshire.I note the observations of the National Audit Office report of 1 July 2011, HC 1272, on “The Failure of the FiReControl project”.
It states:“The FiReControl project was flawed from the outset because it did not have the support of those essential to its success—local Fire and Rescue Services.
The Department rushed the start of the project, failing to follow proper procedures.
Ineffective checks and balances during initiation and early stages meant the Department committed itself to the project on the basis of broad-brush and inaccurate estimates of costs and benefits and an unrealistic delivery timetable, and agreed an inadequate contract with its IT supplier.
The Department under-appreciated the project’s complexity, and then mismanaged the IT contractor’s performance and delivery.
The Department failed to provide the necessary leadership to make the project successful, over-relying on poorly managed consultants and failing to sort out early problems with delivery by the contractor.
The Department took a firmer grip of the project from 2009 and terminated the contract in December 2010 to avoid even more money being wasted.” (National Audit Office press release, 1 July 2011).Our aim is to achieve the best possible value for money for the tax payer from the control centre buildings.
Our preference is for fire and rescue authorities to use the buildings as they are purpose built for them.
The decision as to whether fire and rescue services use the buildings is entirely a local matter and where local fire and rescue authorities decide this is not the best way forward for their communities, then DCLG will market the buildings more widely, including to other emergency services.

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Jackson, S – Eastern Region Fire Control Centre in Waterbeach

Mon, 23 January 2012 | House of Commons – Written Answer

Contents

Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the (a) revenue and (b) capital cost was of the Eastern Region Fire Control Centre in Waterbeach, Cambridgeshire in each of the last three financial years; and if he will make a statement.[91007]

Robert Neill: The revenue costs for the East of England Regional Control Centre building in Waterbeach, Cambridge for 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12 are shown in the table.
No capital costs for the Regional Control Centre building were incurred in these three financial years.In 2011 DCLG have reduced the facilities management costs for the buildings by 25% and utilities by 35%, and will look to make further savings where appropriate.

I note that the National Audit Office report of 1 July 2011, HC 1272, on “The Failure of the FiReControl project”, states:”The Department’s failure to manage the project as a whole has resulted in the creation of empty regional control centres.
The nine regional control centres were purpose-built to house the new computerised equipment and were designed specifically for that purpose.
The Department’s decision to prioritise the procurement of the centres over the IT system at an early stage meant that the first centres were completed in June 2007, just three months after the IT contract had been awarded.”full report, p.8.

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House of Lords

Harrison – Fire safety (new housing developments)

Tue, 24 January 2012 | House of Lords – Written Answer

Summary

The following question was answered on 24 January 2012.

Contents

Asked by Lord Harrison – To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment was made in the preparation of the 2010 Cost Benefit Analysis of Options to Reduce the Risk of Fire and Rescue in Areas of New Build Homes of the merits of requiring installation of automatic fire suppression systems in new residential premises with respect to (1) comparative evidence from other countries, (2) the effect on the environment of a reduction in the size of fires, (3) the effect on the economy of a reduction in the size of fires, (4) the effect on firefighter safety, and (5) the risk of fire for an ageing population.[HL14878]
- To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment has been made of the (1) economic, and (2) environmental, impact of a reduction in the size of fires due to a wider use of automatic fire suppression systems in domestic properties.[HL14879]

Baroness Hanham: The Cost Benefit Analysis of Options to Reduce the Risk of Fire and Rescue in Areas of New Build Homes report was published in 2010 and a copy has been placed in the Library.
The report includes an assessment of the economic, and environmental, impact of a reduction in the size of fires due to a wider use of automatic fire suppression systems in domestic properties.

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Harrison – Fire safety (domestic fire causes)

Tue, 24 January 2012 | House of Lords – Written Answer

Summary

The following question was answered on 24 January 2012.

Contents

Asked by Lord Harrison – To ask Her Majesty’s Government what was the primary cause of each fire in a domestic dwelling in England for each of the past five years.[HL14822]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Communities and Local Government (Baroness Hanham): The numbers of fires in dwellings by source of ignition for the past five years are shown in the table below.

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Harrison – Fire Safety (Research Projects)

Mon, 23 January 2012 | House of Lords – Written Answer

Summary

The following question was answered on 23 January 2012.

Contents

Asked by Lord Harrison – To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Hanham on 1 December 2011 (WA 93), which relevant research projects are currently being considered by the Department for Communities and Local Government.[HL14820]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Communities and Local Government (Baroness Hanham): My department is considering research on the incidence and impact of fire in the future, in particular in relation to an increasingly ageing population, and the relationship between mental health and deliberate and accidental fires.

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Harrison – Fire Safety (Cigarettes)

Mon, 23 January 2012 | House of Lords – Written Answer

Summary

The following question was answered on 23 January 2012.

Contents

Asked by Lord Harrison – To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Hanham on 29 November 2011 (WA 49), what research was carried out by the Department for Communities and Local Government to calculate the life-saving impact of cigarettes that comply with the new safety standards; and whether they will place a copy of the research findings in the Library of the House.[HL14821]

Baroness Hanham: In 2004, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister commissioned research on the comparison of the propensity of fire safer cigarettes and conventional cigarettes to ignite textile materials used in a domestic environment.
The report produced was published in 2006, and is available on the DCLG website at: http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/fire/pdf/160414.pdf
.A copy has also been placed in the Library of the House.

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Regions

Central Government and Agencies

Wales Audit Office – Annual Improvement report on South Wales Fire and Rescue Authority

Fri, 27 January 2012 | Government Body Press Release

Contents

Summary report 1

Each year, the Auditor General must report on how well Welsh councils, fire and rescue authorities, and national parks are planning for improvement and delivering their services.
Drawing on the work of the Wales Audit Office and relevant Welsh Inspectorates, this report presents a picture of improvement over the last year. The report is in three main sections, which cover the planning, delivery and evaluation of improvement by South Wales Fire and Rescue Authority (the Authority).

2 Overall the Auditor General has concluded that the Authority has put good arrangements in place to deliver improvement and does well in the areas it focuses on; but planning, evaluation and reporting of performance is not sufficiently balanced or outcome based.

3 We found that the Authority is generally making good plans and putting appropriate arrangements in place to deliver improvement. We have concluded this because the Authority: • has arrangements in place to address priorities and respond to previous suggestions for improvement; • is well placed to address its financial challenges, although the scale of change required will continue to require clear leadership and direction; • information management is supporting improvement but there are some weaknesses in governance and performance; • current arrangements for developing, using and supporting technology are likely to support improvement but need stronger corporate focus and governance; and • it is meeting its statutory obligation with regard to the Welsh Language Act.

4 We also found that the Authority has achieved much of what it set out to achieve in its identified priorities: • overall the Authority made good progress towards achieving its Improvement Objectives in 2010-11; • it is helping to prevent some fires and road traffic collisions; fatalities remain low but the number of people injured in fires has increased and deliberate fire setting remains a concern; and • the Authority is actively developing more innovative and efficient ways to respond to a wide range of events and incidents.

5 Finally the report sets out our views on the Authority’s own assessment of its performance and arrangements. We have concluded that the Authority has mechanisms for monitoring performance but needs to become more balanced in the evaluation and reporting of performance and focus on improvement objectives. There are some shortcomings in the quality and accuracy of reported performance indicators and although the use of a web-based Improvement Plan means that the public can access information in a more flexible and interactive way the information itself needs to give a clearer picture of the Authority’s progress against its improvement objectives.

5 Annual Improvement Report – South Wales Fire and Rescue Authority Proposals for Improvement Proposals for improvement P1 Continue to implement previous proposals for improvement including: • broadening the diversity of the workforce; • consistent use of the Performance Development Review process for both uniformed and support staff; and • strengthen improvement objectives and associated performance measures and reporting to be more outcome focussed, identify the impact of its activity for its community, clearly show the Authority performs now, its targets and how it compares with other fire and rescue authorities.
P2 Implement areas for improvement identified in our Information Management review.
P3 Implement areas for improvement identified in our use of Technology review.
P4 Address the accuracy and completeness of data issues arising from our performance information audit, particularly recording of fire deaths, treatment of ‘over the border incidents’ and compliance with Welsh Government timetables and guidelines.

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Wales Audit Office – Annual Improvement report on Vale of Glamorgan Council

Fri, 27 January 2012 | Government Body Press Release

Contents

1 Each year, the Auditor General must report on how well Welsh councils, fire and rescue authorities, and national parks are planning for improvement and delivering their services.
Drawing on the work of the relevant Welsh inspectorates, and the audit work of the Wales Audit Office and the Appointed Auditor this report presents a picture of improvement over the last year. The report is in three main sections which cover the planning, delivery and evaluation of improvement by the Vale of Glamorgan Council (the Council).
2 Overall, the Auditor General has concluded that the Council has strong corporate management arrangements in place and is securing improvement across a range of services. Refining performance review arrangements will enable the Council to establish a clearer view of the outcomes that it has achieved.
3 We found that effective financial management, good use of information technology and strengths in people management were ensuring the Council was using most of its resources but that it still had much to do to improve the management of its land and property.
4 We also found that the Council can demonstrate improvement in most key service areas but performance for delivering disabled facilities grants remains poor despite improvements in recent years, because children and young people wait on average 1,139 days and adults wait on average 544 days before a grant is delivered. We based this conclusion on the following: • the Council is working effectively with partners to improve community safety; co-location of staff has improved local services and speeded up response times; successful action has been taken against illegal sales of alcohol and improved support has led to a reduction in re-offending by young offenders; • the Council has made good progress in delivering improvements in social care; • while the delivery times for disabled facilities grants have improved, children and young people are still facing lengthy waiting times; and • pupil attainment results in schools are good although there has been a decline in attendance in secondary schools.

5 Finally, the report sets out our views on the Council’s own assessment of its performance and arrangements. We concluded that the Council has good arrangements in place for setting its objectives and monitoring delivery of actions and is in the early stages of improving the way in which it evaluates the impact of what it is doing.
5 Annual Improvement Report – Vale of Glamorgan Council Proposals for improvement Proposals for improvement Improve performance assessment by P1 Continuing the development of outcome focussed measures by moving from reporting arrangements that focus primarily on performance indicators and on the completion, or otherwise, of an action and ensuring that: • intentions are expressed in a way which allows progress to be measured; and • reporting arrangements consistently provide members with an evaluation of performance in the context of the objective that the Council is aiming to achieve.
We have also separately provided the Council with feedback about specific service areas P2 Implement specific proposals for improvement arising from the following reviews.
Human Resources • Introduce regular, formal performance reports assessing key elements of the HR function to enable more routine and systematic scrutiny of the service, by the senior management team and members.
• Prior to any reconfiguration of the HR service, evaluate the current service and options for change to help to ensure that best practice and ‘what works’ can be perpetuated and that any new model addresses acknowledged weaknesses.
• Ensure that all services consider how skills and learning within their areas can be documented and passed on to other staff to help learning to be retained within the organisation and the development of appropriate succession planning arrangements.
Asset Management • Ensure that the Corporate Asset Management Plan is updated and clearly demonstrates how assets will support the delivery of corporate objectives.
• Ensure that all assets are mapped and understood in terms of whether they need to be retained as they are, their use changed, or disposed of.
• Develop appropriate performance management arrangements around the use of assets.
6 Annual Improvement Report – Vale of Glamorgan Council Proposals for improvement Disabled Facilities Grants Improve performance by: • Refining processes in accordance with detailed proposals for improvement in Appendix One of our separate report on this subject.
• Introducing modern methods of procurement to develop framework agreements and partnered contracts for Disabled Facilities Grants services.
• Finding out more about what customers think of the Disabled Facilities Grant process and making alterations as necessary.
Improve scrutiny, oversight and strategic management by: • Adopting Internal Audit recommendations for improving administrative and financial controls and by introducing regular internal audit testing.
• Developing a wider range of quantitative and qualitative measures to enable Cabinet and scrutiny members to evaluate the delivery of the service and the outcomes for applicants.

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London Conservative – Coleman calls for £500m saving by merging London’s blue-light fire and ambulance services

Thu, 26 January 2012 | Greater London Authority Press Release

Contents

London Assembly member, Brian Coleman said today that half a billion pounds could be saved by merging London’s fire and ambulance services.

Speaking as the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA) prepared to examine proposals on the future of the capital’s ambulance service, Mr Coleman, who chairs LFEPA, said:

“I believe that up to £500million could be saved by merging London’s fire and ambulance services thus creating blue-light synergy.

“The ambulance service is based at 70 dedicated stations across London. This is completely unnecessary and a total waste of money because they could be housed in under the same roof as the fire service. Merging most of them would end duplication and create synergies thus raising hundreds of millions of pounds.”

Mr Coleman also drew attention to the collapse in the ambulance service during public sector strikes on November 30.

“When the fire service last striked in 2010 management ensured that London was kept safe by organising cover. However, during the public sector strikes on November 30 last year the ambulance service collapsed under weight of calls and poor planning and was forced to rely on the police to keep it going. This was both a failure of management and planning in an organisation completely lacking any public accountability.

“Bringing the blue light functions of the ambulance service under LFEPA control would restore democratic accountability as it used to be when it was under the control of the London County Council.”

He added:

“Fire and ambulance services work as one in France and the United States, and it must happen here. An independent ambulance service makes no sense no matter how you slice it and reforming it must surely be a matter of “when” not “if”.

Editor’s notes

Below are two reports into the future of the ambulance service in London.

http://www.london-fire.gov.uk/Documents/FEP1863.pdf

http://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/HPS_Future%20of%20the%20LAS_final%20report.pdf

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Scotland

Audit Scotland – Central Fire & Rescue – Best Value audit

Thu, 26 January 2012 | Scottish Government Press Release

Contents

Central Scotland Fire & Rescue service is effective but further improvement needed to provide Best Value

Central Scotland Fire & Rescue provides an effective, low cost service. But it would be better placed to provide Best Value if it had stronger performance arrangements. Many of the basic building blocks are not yet in place. It needs to develop a culture of continuous improvement, with the board being more proactive in its scrutiny role.

The Accounts Commission’s findings say that the service is effective and low cost, with a sound approach to budgeting and financial control. There are good aspects to how it manages staff, as can be seen in consistently low sickness absence rates.

But the Commission is concerned that many of the building blocks which would help the service meet its Best Value duties are still not in place, compromising the service’s understanding of its strategic role and ability to improve. It is especially important to have good management practices at times of financial challenge and change such as this.

Its approach to performance management and assets is underdeveloped and there also needs to be a more effective approach to risk management, with a clearer focus on prevention. The Fire Board is passive rather than proactive in its role and should be doing more to scrutinise and challenge the service on its strategy and performance. The councillors need more support to be better able to do this.

Chair of the Accounts Commission, John Baillie, said: “Central Scotland Fire and Rescue provides an effective service and it is encouraging to know that it wishes to improve and change. It still needs to do more to ensure that it is providing Best Value. There needs to be a stronger focus on management of performance and risks and councillors on the fire board need to do more to scrutinise and challenge strategy and performance.”

The Commission also emphasises the need for Central Fire and Rescue to keep its focus on improving its service to the public whilst fire and rescue services are being restructured on a national basis.

Notes to editors

1. The Accounts Commission’s findings comment on the audit report prepared by Audit Scotland. 2. This is the first Best Value audit of fire & rescue. The Accounts Commission will review its findings from this audit alongside those of the forthcoming audits of all other fire and rescue services in Scotland. Later in 2012 it will produce a national overview commenting on the overall messages from these audits. This audit work will form a useful information resource ahead of the creation of a single fire service. The Bill is currently being considered by the Scottish Parliament. 3. Best Value is the duty placed on local authorities to demonstrate their on-going commitment to providing better services to local people. The Audit of Best Value is undertaken by Audit Scotland on behalf of the Accounts Commission. It responds to the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003. Local authorities in Scotland, including fire and rescue, have a statutory duty to deliver best value in their services. This requires them to establish management arrangements, aimed at securing continuous improvements in their performance while maintaining an appropriate balance between quality and cost. Since 2004, Audit Scotland has carried out audits of Best Value in each of the 32 councils in Scotland and in most police authorities. These audits have helped to improve performance and accountability in local government and have brought unsatisfactory performance to the public’s attention through the public reporting process.

4. The responsibilities of fire and rescue services have changed significantly over the past decade. In 2003, all Scottish services were required to produce Integrated Risk Management Plans (IRMP), identifying the level of local risks and determining the appropriate allocation of resources. The Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 introduced further changes, placing a strong emphasis on prevention rather than simply emergency response. 5. The Accounts Commission for Scotland checks how well Scotland’s councils, fire and police boards perform. It operates independently of local and central government. For more information about the Accounts Commission see http://www.audit-scotland.gov.uk/about/ac/ 6. Audit Scotland provides services to the Accounts Commission for Scotland and carries out work as directed by the Accounts Commission. Its reports are available at www.audit-scotland.gov.uk

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Political Party Press Releases

SDLP – McClelland concerned by Glengormley Fire

Thu, 26 January 2012 | Northern Ireland Political Party Press Release

Contents

McClelland concerned by Glengormley Fire
Thu 26th January

SDLP Antrim Councillor Noreen McClelland has expressed her concern about a house fire, which broke out in Holly-brook Avenue early on Thursday morning.

Cllr Noreen McClelland said “This fire could have easily claimed the lives of this young family and has undoubtedly caused much distress to all those involved.

“I would like to commend the swift action of their neighbour Mr Paul Lamb, who raised the alarm. He was able to rescue the baby and calm the mother, whilst the Fire and Rescue service could carry out their duties.

“I would like to commend those Fire officers who risked their safety to rescue young mother trapped on first floor. Thankfully the consequences of this fire were not more serious and both the mother and baby are well recovering in hospital.”

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Other

National Statistics – Fire Statistics Monitor Wales, Quarters 2 and 3, 2011

Thu, 26 January 2012 | Report Publication

Summary

The National Statistics has published a report titled ‘Fire Statistics Monitor Wales, Quarters 2 and 3, 2011’ today.

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If you are having problems accessing this report please paste the following into your browser: http://wales.gov.uk/docs/statistics/2012/120126sb62012en.pdf

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Mentions

• No relevant items

Fire Services

Non-governmental and International Organisation Press Releases

• Chief Fire Officers Association – Lancashire Fire Deaths

Other

• DCLG – Fire and Rescue Service Operational Guidance – Aircraft Incidents

Regions

Central Government and Agencies

• Police Ombudsman – Office To Look At PSNI Response To GAA Clubhouse Fire
• Oxfordshire County Council – Touch screen technology boosts fire service
• Oxfordshire County Council – Fire in Fuse box
• Oxfordshire County Council – Acetylene Knightsbridge Farm
• Oxfordshire County Council – Car Fire in Workshop, Banbury
• Oxfordshire County Council – Saved by Smoke Alarm
• Oxfordshire County Council – Fire at Castle Quay Centre, Banbury
• Oxfordshire County Council – Shed fire in Ruscote, Banbury

Political Party Press Releases

• Sinn Fein – McCann slams West Belfast arson attack

Mentions

No relevant items

Fire Services

Non-governmental and International Organisation Press Releases

Chief Fire Officers Association – Lancashire Fire Deaths

Sun, 8 January 2012 | Campaign Organisation Press Release

Contents

Press Release

Following the tragic loss of life in Lancashire last night Lee Howell, President of the Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) said today, “I am incredibly saddened to hear the tragic news that four people have died in a house fire in Lancashire. Whilst smoke detectors do not prevent fires, they do give precious seconds for escape. We would again urge everyone to install, test and maintain smoke detectors. They really do save lives”.

All Fire and Rescue Services provide Home Fire Safety Checks and smoke detectors to vulnerable people within their communities. More information is available on the CFOA website athttp://www.cfoa.org.uk/12247

Members of the public are advised not to try to tackle fires but to get out, stay out and call 999.

Notes to Editor:

To arrange interviews or for further information, please contact: Jackie Findlay
Communications Team at CFOA
Tel: 01827 302370

Mobile: 07870 160379

Email:jackie.findlay@cfoa.org.uk

The Chief Fire Officers’ Association (CFOA)

CFOA is the professional voice of the UK fire and rescue service, supporting its members to fulfil their leadership role in protecting our local communities and making life safer through improved service delivery. CFOA provides professional advice to inform government policy and is committed to developing both strategic and technical guidance and sharing notable practice within the wider FRS.

Membership of the Association comprises almost all the senior management of fire and rescue services in the United Kingdom. CFOA is the driving force in managing change and implementing reforms in the service. 8 January 2012

Jackie Findlay
Communications and Business Manager
01827 302309
07870 160379
jackie.findlay@cfoa.org.uk
www.cfoa.org.uk

The professional voice of the UK fire and rescue service

The Chief Fire Officers Association
Registered in England as a Limited Company: No 3677186 Registered Charity No: 1074071 VAT Registration No: GB902195446 9-11 Pebble Close, Amington, Tamworth, Staffordshire, B77 4RD

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Other

DCLG – Fire and Rescue Service Operational Guidance – Aircraft Incidents

Thu, 5 January 2012 | Report Publication

Summary

DCLG has published a report titled ‘Fire and Rescue Service Operational Guidance – Aircraft Incidents’ today.

Click to View

If you are having problems accessing this report please paste the following into your browser: http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/fire/pdf/2056940.pdf

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Regions

Central Government and Agencies

Police Ombudsman – Office To Look At PSNI Response To GAA Clubhouse Fire

Wed, 4 January 2012 | Government Body Press Release

Contents

The Police Ombudsman’s Office is to investigate the response of the PSNI to the arson attack on a GAA clubhouse in Co. Londonderry last week.

Following the original decision to describe the fire as accidental, as a result of concerns raised the PSNI revised their assessment and announced it was treating the fire as arson. A senior officer was called in to review the police action from the first call about the fire, and the decision was taken today to refer the matter to the Police Ombudsman’s Office for independent investigation.

Investigators from the Office will now conduct enquiries in relation to the police handling of the incident and the quality of the investigation. The PSNI will continue to investigate the arson attack itself.

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Oxfordshire County Council – Touch screen technology boosts fire service

Tue, 3 January 2012 | Local Authority Press Release

Contents

Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service has upgraded its control room to enable staff to handle emergency calls even more effectively than before.

The control room, at the headquarters in Kidlington, now has new touch screen technology allowing operators to access all of the service’s telephone and radio systems through one computer. This enables them to deal with 999 and calls from the public and communicate immediately with fire crews and other emergency services.

Oxfordshire is the second Fire and Rescue Service in the UK to use the updated system.

Control Room Manager Phil Baskerville said: “I am delighted with the upgraded system. The installation has gone very smoothly and was both on time and within the budget provided by the County Council. The system provides all the functionality of the original but uses the latest technology.

“It gives us the potential to exploit new and modern features that will allow us to improve the effectiveness of the control room while allowing for future options for expansion and collaboration. Our operators are very pleased with it.”

Improving resilience

The upgrade is part of ongoing improvements planned for the control room and its supporting systems to ensure that the performance and resilience of Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service remains among the best performing services in the UK.

Councillor Judith Heathcoat, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “This upgrade allows us to build on the already excellent control room service provided by the Fire and Rescue Service. The improvements help staff to deal more effectively with the public, manage the response of firefighters and liaise with other agencies.

“Our aim is always to provide the best possible emergency service for the people of Oxfordshire.”

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Oxfordshire County Council – Fire in Fuse box

Thu, 5 January 2012 | Local Authority Press Release

Contents

Oxfordshire County Council Fire & Rescue Service were called to a developing house fire at at Birch Grove, Madley Park, Witney, Oxfordshire at 18.09 on Monday the 2nd of January 2012.

Three Appliances, from Witney and Oxford, attended the incident.

On arrival the initial crews were faced with a developing fire in an electrical fuse box in a downstairs cloakroom, Fire-fighters wearing breathing apparatus used a Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher to put out the fire.

Watch Manager Glen Lee from Witney Fire Station said “The quick actions of the fire crews meant the fire damage was limited to the downstairs cloakroom. We would advise anyone with any concerns regarding their electrical wiring or fuse box to have it checked by a competent electrician.”

The property was fitted with working smoke alarms and thankfully there were no injuries. Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service would like to remind you to fit smoke alarms in your property and test them regularly to ensure they are in working order.

Visit www.365alive.co.uk for fire safety advice. If you have a fire safety question please call the free phone community safety helpline on 08000 325 999 or email: community.safety@oxfordshire.gov.uk

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Oxfordshire County Council – Acetylene Knightsbridge Farm

Fri, 6 January 2012 | Local Authority Press Release

Contents

Acetylene Fire, KnightsBridge Farm, Yarnton

Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service were called at 10:53 to reports of an Acetylene Cylinder on fire at Knightsbridge Farm, on the A44, near Yarnton.

Around thirty five firefighters on five rescue pumps from Rewley Road (Oxford), Woodstock, Kidlington & Eynsham, along with 3 specialist support vehicles attended the incident, with initial crews in attendance within ten minutes of the initial call.

On arrival crews were faced with a fire involving an acetylene cylinder located within a workshop on the site. Acetylene is a potentially explosive hazardous material and specialist officers deployed a tactical plan to resolve the incident.

The swift actions of the first attending crews evacuated the site and implemented safety cordons to ensure the safety of all the members of the public.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus using specialist thermal imaging and digital remote thermometers assessed the scene and extinguished the fire making the cylinders safe.

The Incident Commander, Station Manager Chris Wilson commented:

“Crews have worked hard to tackle this fire, it was a challenging site with a major road and rail network passing close by. Fire fighters continue to work through the day following national procedures to deal with cooling phase of the incident”

Visit www.365alive.co.uk for fire safety advice. If you have a fire safety question please call the free phone community safety helpline on 08000 325 999 or email: community.safety@oxfordshire.gov.uk

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Oxfordshire County Council – Car Fire in Workshop, Banbury

Sat, 7 January 2012 | Local Authority Press Release

Contents

Serious Fire in Car Workshop, Banbury

Crews from Oxfordshire County Council Fire & Rescue Service were called just after 05.15 this morning to a fire at a car workshop on a Banbury industrial estate. Security staff were alerted by a fire detection system in the building and backed up the automatic call to the Fire and Rescue Service with a ‘999’ call.

Four fire engines from Banbury, Hook Norton and Deddington fire stations were sent to the fire with approximately 20 firefighters involved. Fire crews wearing breathing apparatus tackled the fire using high pressure hose jets. The fire was brought under control by around 6am.

Station Manager Chris Wilson said, “On arrival, the fire was threatening to take hold and spread through the building but the speed and weight of our response meant that we were able to hold it back and control it in relatively short order”.

The cause of the fire is not yet known and fire investigators are trying to establish the exact cause.

This press release prepared by Station Manager Chris Wilson 07747 472670

Visit www.365alive.co.uk for fire safety advice. If you have a fire safety question please call the free phone community safety helpline on 08000 325 999 or email: community.safety@oxfordshire.gov.uk

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Oxfordshire County Council – Saved by Smoke Alarm

Sat, 7 January 2012 | Local Authority Press Release

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Saved by a Smoke Alarm

Crews from Oxfordshire County Council Fire & Rescue Service were called just before 7am this morning to a flat fire in the Barton area of Oxford. A man was alerted to a fire in his cooker by a smoke alarm in his flat at William Morris Court enabling him to escape and call the Fire and Rescue Service.

Fire engines from the Slade and Rewley Road fire stations arrived on the scene rapidly and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus were able to deal with the incident safely. Watch Manager Greg Bishop from Blue Watch at the Slade Fire station said, “This incident again highlights the importance of having working smoke alarms in people’s homes”.

Visit www.365alive.co.uk for fire safety advice. If you have a fire safety question please call the free phone community safety helpline on 08000 325 999 or email: community.safety@oxfordshire.gov.uk

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Oxfordshire County Council – Fire at Castle Quay Centre, Banbury

Mon, 9 January 2012 | Local Authority Press Release

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Fire at Castle Quay, Banbury

Crews from Oxfordshire County Council Fire & Rescue Service were called just after ten past one yesterday afternoon to a fire at an electrical transformer within the centre’s main power hub. Security staff were alerted by the fire detection system in the building and backed up the automatic call to the Fire and Rescue Service with a ‘999’ call.

Two fire appliances from Banbury fire station were sent and ten firefighters were involved. Fire crews wearing breathing apparatus tackled the fire using compressed carbon dioxide extinguishers as the fire involved electrical switchgear at a high voltage. The fire was brought under control by around half past one.

Station Manager Chris Wilson said, “On arrival, the fire was discovered in an underground section of the switch room and involved some very high voltage cabling, fortunately our prompt response meant that we were able to extinguish the fire quickly and allow specialist electrical engineers to isolate and repair the affected cabling. This meant minimum disruption to the traders in the centre and the shopping public”

The cause of the fire is not yet known and the electrical supply engineers are trying to establish the exact cause.

This press release prepared by Station Manager Chris Wilson 07747 472670

Visit www.365alive.co.uk for fire safety advice. If you have a fire safety question please call the free phone community safety helpline on 08000 325 999 or email: community.safety@oxfordshire.gov.uk

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Oxfordshire County Council – Shed fire in Ruscote, Banbury

Mon, 9 January 2012 | Local Authority Press Release

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At 7.34pm on Sunday 8 January, Oxfordshire County Councils Fire and Rescue Service were called to reports of a shed fire on the Ruscote Estate in Banbury.

Two fire engines from Banbury were called to the incident and on arrival were faced with a large fire in a brick built shed.

Fire fighters wearing breathing apparatus immediately tackled the blaze using high pressure hoses which prevented it spreading to the house and neighbouring properties.

WM John Callaway said, “ Luckily we were able to tackle the fire quickly, otherwise it could have spread to other buildings.”

The cause of the fire is being investigated.

Visit www.365alive.co.uk for fire safety advice. If you have a fire safety question please call the free phone community safety helpline on 08000 325 999 or email: community.safety@oxfordshire.gov.uk

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Political Party Press Releases

Sinn Fein – McCann slams West Belfast arson attack

Mon, 9 January 2012 | Northern Ireland Political Party Press Release

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West Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Jennifer McCann has condemned those responsible for an arson attack on a home of a family in Poleglass.Speaking today Ms McCann said:

“This was a cowardly attack which clearly set out to murder a mother and her young child in their home. A number of men poured flamable liquid through the family’s letter box and set it on fire. Only the quick actions of neighbours to put out the fire saved this family being burned to death.

“This incident was attempted murder as those responsible clearly set out to kill the occupants of this house. Anyone who could sit down and plot to burn a young child of just 7 years old to death in her bed are clearly very dangerous and need to be apprehended.”I would appeal for anyone that has any information in relation to this incident to please contact the PSNI.”

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