Most fire and rescue authorities in England are performing well or strongly with more than a quarter achieving top marks for how well they respond to emergencies and prevent fires, deaths and injuries, according to a new report by the Audit Commission. The majority are on track to meet national targets to reduce accidental fire deaths by 2010.
But the new ratings from the Commission also show that, while some FRAs are rising to the challenges of modernisation and placing greater emphasis on fire prevention and community safety, progress is patchy. Some score highly for the way they plan and manage the service, but their improvements have not yet resulted in better performance.
In addition, says the report, few of the country’s 47 authorities have workforces that represent the diverse communities they serve. While there is evidence that fire services are starting to embrace equality, more needs to be done.
The Audit Commission’s Fire and Rescue performance assessments are made up of three parts to gauge the standard of service people are receiving. As well as blue light services, fire prevention and emergency response procedures, they judge how well services are improving and whether they provide value for money.
“Nationally, there are fewer fires, deaths and injuries than there have been for nearly 50 years, said chairman of the Audit Commission.” Michael O’Higgins. “But there is still work to be done, as fire and rescue authorities refocus their attention from reactive services towards preventative measures that stop fires happening in the first place. Many FRAs still have work to do if they are to provide better services that will protect communities and save lives.”
Fire and Rescue performance assessments are made up of three elements:
– Service assessments judge how well FRAs are able to respond to incidents like house fires, accidents or acts of terrorism. They look at the number and types of fires, deaths, injuries, false alarms and arson attacks. The assessments range from 1 (inadequate performance) to 4 (performing strongly). They show that no FRA is in the lowest category and 13 have earned the top score. 18 FRAs are assessed as 3 (performing well) with the remaining 14 rated 2 (performing adequately).
– Direction of travel scores show how well FRAs are modernising and refocusing their services from fighting fires to preventing them. This includes community education projects, working in partnership with charities, and other agencies and addressing equality and diversity issues. All 47 FRAs in England are improving the services they provide to residents and businesses with half improving well and one – West Yorkshire – achieving the top rating of improving strongly.
– Use of resources scores show that all FRAs perform at or above minimum standards overall, and three (Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Kent and Medway) score top marks.
These three performance elements build on Fire Comprehensive Performance Assessment (Fire CPA), which was published in 2005. It looked at how the service works within the community to make people safer and prevent fires, as well as management issues such as staff training and budget management.
The audit commission is an independent body which assesses public services and provides information on theses services provide value for money.
