The Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority (Combination Scheme) Order 2006

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order makes a scheme constituting the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority for the combined the areas of Devon County Council, Plymouth City Council and Torbay Council (which formerly constituted the combined area of the Devon Fire Authority) and Somerset County Council.

The scheme comes into force on the same day as the Order comes into force for the purpose of doing anything necessary to bring the scheme fully into operation on 1st April 2007.

In relation to the combined authority the scheme makes provision for:

• the composition and proceedings of the combined authority;

• financial matters;

• the discharge of its functions;

• the appointment of officers such as Chief Fire Officer and Treasurer;

• the transfer of staff, property, rights and liabilities in connection with the discharge of fire and rescue authority functions from Devon Fire Authority and Somerset County Council; and

• the payment of compensation for loss suffered by any person in consequence of the constitution of the combined authority.

The Order provides for the revocation of the Devon Fire Services (Combination Scheme) Order 1997 and makes transitional provision.

A full regulatory impact assessment has not been produced for this Order, as it has no impact on the costs of business, charities or voluntary bodies.