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Paragraph 4

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Delete paragraphs 2.6 — 2.17 (including the title “Integrated Risk Management Plans”) and replace with —

“Risk Reduction Plans

2.6

It is in everyone’s interest that Wales becomes a safer place to work and live in, travel to and visit. To assist in risk reduction, the Minister for Social Justice and Regeneration launched the Fire and Rescue Authorities Risk Reduction Plan — Wales a Safer Country on 21 March 2006, which provides that each Fire and Rescue Authority should prepare its own Risk Reduction Plan (“RRP”).

2.7

To address risk strategically requires an approach that assesses both corporate and community risk. The Assembly Government recognises the complex environments in which Fire and Rescue Authorities operate, and therefore each Fire and Rescue Authority’s Risk Reduction Plan should clearly identify their priorities and allocate resources accordingly.

2.8

RRP guidance advises Fire and Rescue Authorities to manage risk in a comprehensive, transparent and robust manner. It allows Fire and Rescue Authorities sufficient scope for local flexibility and innovative ways of delivering their services to citizens and communities they serve.

2.9

Each Fire and Rescue Authority should produce a RRP or annual action plan that focuses on community and corporate risk. The Fire and Rescue Authority’s RRP provides the strategic agenda for that Fire and Rescue Authority.

2.10

In order for Fire and Rescue Authorities to achieve the targets and standards set out in paragraph 2.2 they should establish RRPs aimed at:

  • Reducing the number of fires and other emergency incidents;

  • Reducing the loss of life in fires and other emergency incidents;

  • Reducing the number and severity of injuries in fires and other emergency incidents;

  • Reducing the commercial, economic and social impact of fires and other emergency incidents;

  • Safeguarding the environment and heritage, both built and natural;

  • Providing services that are Value for Money;

  • Integrating the activities of the Fire and Rescue Authority within the wider social justice agenda; and

  • Addressing the equality and diversity proposals set out in this Framework.

2.11

As a continued commitment to collaborative working between the Assembly Government and Fire and Rescue Authorities, each Fire and Rescue Authority should informally discuss its proposals and options relating to its RRP or annual action plans with the Assembly Government before the Fire and Rescue Authority commences its public consultation on the RRP or annual action plan.

2.12

Fire and Rescue Authorities should develop, consult, approve and publish their RRP or annual action plan by 31 October, ready for implementation in the following financial year, in accordance with guidance issued under the Wales Fire and Rescue Service Circular (06)07 entitled Fire and Rescue Authority Risk Reduction Plan — Wales a Safer Country.

2.13

All responses to the consultation should be evaluated and formally considered by the Fire and Rescue Authority. Following its public consultation and evaluation of responses, Fire and Rescue Authorities should again contact the Assembly Government to discuss the responses to their consultation and its intended course of action, prior to formal Fire and Rescue Authority approval.

2.14

Fire and Rescue Authorities should publish the consultation responses (with agreement from the consultees), along with their response to the issues raised, in a public document once the RRP has been approved by the Fire and Rescue Authority.

2.15

Fire and Rescue Authorities are encouraged to use the Fire Services Emergency Cover Toolkit (“FSEC”) to gather evidence as their RRPs should be forward looking and shaped by evidence rather than a response to short-term pressures.

2.16

Each Fire and Rescue Authority has access to FSEC to enable them to predict and manage the risks within their area. Whilst FSEC is not the only modelling tool available, it is the Assembly Government’s preferred tool for gathering and interpreting evidence.

2.17

In summary, Fire and Rescue Authorities should produce a RRP or annual action plan that:

  • Addresses the issue of reducing both corporate and community risk;

  • Should be subjected to wide consultation for at least 12 weeks;

  • Should be produced with regard to Assembly Government guidance, policies and strategies;

  • Is based on robust and reliable data clearly linked to identified corporate and community risks; and

  • Should be discussed with the Assembly Government prior to consultation and prior to its formal adoption by the Fire and Rescue Authority.”