How fire and rescue authorities have performed against the priorities and objectives in Fire and Rescue: Framework for Scotland 2005 and wh…

The Scottish Fireand Rescue Services are amongst the best in the world and they serve the peopleof Scotland with pride and professionalism. Since thepublication of the Fire and Rescue Framework 2005 in October 2005, the fire andrescue authorities have made considerable progress in achieving the agreed prioritiesand objectives. This progress is recognised in the recent reports of both HM ChiefInspector of Fire and Rescue Services and Audit Scotland (copies of which are available in the Scottish Parliament InformationCentre, Bib. numbers 41202, 44156 and 42122). However, while much progress has beenmade, these reports note that there remains room for improvement and we will continueto work closely with the fire and rescue authorities to ensure that they respondeffectively to these points.
In addition, in recognitionof the challenges ahead for the Scottish Government and the Scottish Fire and RescueServices, we will review the framework within the next few months. We will workwith the fire and rescue authorities and the unions to update the framework to setagreed priorities and objectives for fire and rescue authorities in a manner consistentwith the government’s new partnership with local government. By so doing, we willbuild upon the good work already achieved and continue the progress to create amodern and resilient Fire and Rescue Service, capable of protecting Scotland in the 21st Century.