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The arson prevention bureau (apb) has called on the government to sustain its effort in tackling arson and accidental fires. While welcoming progress in reducing fire deaths and arson, the APB warned that any economic downturn could see reversals, particularly in the most vulnerable and deprived communities.
While the number of arson attacks in 2004 – at 90,500 – was the lowest since 1998, the cost to the economy of England and Wales is estimated at GB pound 53.8 million each week.
“Partnership working between the public and private sectors has turned around the arson problem over the last few years,” said chief executive of the APB, Jane Milne, speaking at the launch of the organisation’s new website.
“This has been a tremendous effort by all the agencies involved. But just as we are seeing the first fruits of success there is a danger that attention and effort will be diverted elsewhere.”
APB is calling on the government to:
– Continue the Arson Control Forums funding of innovation in combating arson;
– To adopt best practice in rolling out the third generation of Integrated Risk Management Plans, so that the rest can learn from the best;
– Ensure efficiency savings are harvested to fund greater fire and arson prevention work;
– Support small businesses with advice in preparation for changes in fire regulations from April 2006;
– Adopt building regulations and school design guidance that protects children’s education, people’s well being and communities, jobs and services.
In return, members of the Association of British Insurers, which funds the APB, have pledged to continue to provide risk management advice to business customers. It will also re-convene the Arson in Schools working group to support the government’s Building Schools for the Future programme, and will support a new British Standard on continuity planning, to enable businesses to get back on their feet following a fire or similar catastrophe.
The ABI says it will also fund research into construction standards, novel construction methods and building control regimes, and into the cost to the economy of business arson .