In section 2 (power to create combined fire and rescue authorities), after subsection (6) insert—

“(6A)

The duty to consult under subsection (6) does not apply if—

(a)

the scheme constituted a fire and rescue authority for an area in England, and

(b)

the variation or revocation has been proposed by the fire and rescue authority.”

In section 4 (which makes provision for the continuation, variation and revocation of schemes for combining fire authorities under the Fire Services Act 1947), after subsection (5) insert—

“(5A)

The duty to consult under subsection (5) does not apply if—

(a)

the scheme constituted a fire and rescue authority for an area in England, and

(b)

the variation or revocation has been proposed by the fire and rescue authority.”