Explanatory note

This Order makes an administration scheme in relation to the combined fire services area (known as Mid and South Western) comprising the new local government areas of Argyll and Bute, City of Glasgow, Dumbarton and Clydebank, East Dunbartonshire, Inverclyde, East Renfrewshire, East Ayrshire, North Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire. The fire brigade established and maintained for the existing Strathclyde Region continues in existence on and after 1st April 1996 by virtue of section 147(1) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (as substituted by section 36 of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994). In terms of section 147(4) of the Act of 1973 that brigade shall be the fire brigade for the new combined area.

The scheme comes into effect on 1st April 1996 except in relation to those matters referred to in paragraph 1(2)(a) of the scheme in respect of which it comes into operation on 31st October 1995.

The scheme provides for the constitution of a new joint board to which the whole functions relating to fire (except those mentioned in paragraph 10(1) of the scheme) of the relevant authorities (that is Argyll and Bute Council, City of Glasgow Council, Dumbarton and Clydebank Council, East Dunbartonshire Council, Inverclyde Council, East Renfrewshire Council, East Ayrshire Council, North Ayrshire Council, South Ayrshire Council, North Lanarkshire Council, South Lanarkshire Council and Renfrewshire Council) are delegated. The scheme makes provision with respect to the members and officers of the board and its procedure, powers and duties.