Single fire service poses big tests

Jul 19 2012

Creating a single fire and rescue service faces major challenges, according to the public spending watchdog.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, due to go live on April 1, is said to be expected to generate "efficiency savings" of around £293 million over 15 years.

The Accounts Commission says it must overcome weak political leadership, an inward-looking and competitive culture and reduce the high public spending that exists across the current eight services.

House fires and deaths in Scotland are almost double the rate of those in England and Wales, according to the commission report, entitled "Best value in fire and rescue services in Scotland". While some of this is attributed to higher rates of deprivation, smoking and alcohol abuse, "more needs to be done to understand why these differences persist".

Fewer fires, with fewer resultant casualties, are occurring in Scotland but not at a rate as quick as that seen in other parts of the UK. Five fire services in Scotland are in the six most expensive in the UK, the report also says.

"The costs of Scottish fire and rescue services are relatively high compared with other parts of the UK. This is similar to the pattern for some other public services, such as education and the NHS.

"The higher rates of fires and therefore higher demands on Scottish fire and rescue services is undoubtedly one important factor. In addition, it can be expensive to provide a service to sparsely populated areas and remote island communities. But these factors alone do not explain the variation in costs within Scotland."

There are big differences, and little agreement, on how services are delivered locally. Striking differences were identified in the number and location of fire stations, even in areas with similar characteristics; the balance between prevention and emergency response; performance assessment; and staffing.

"The relationship between services tends to be one of friendly competition rather than active collaboration. Fire service culture can be too inward-looking and competitive rather than collaborative. Services can be insular and unaware of management arrangements in neighbouring services."

John Baillie, chair of the Accounts Commission, said: "There are many strengths from around the country which can be incorporated into the new service. Equally, there are many challenging issues around performance, prevention and staffing which it will also inherit. All of these factors underline the scale of the challenge, but also the opportunity to create a world-class fire service for Scotland."