(This note is not part of the Order)
The core functions of fire and rescue authorities are set out in sections 6 to 8 of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 (“the Act”). These are the functions in connection with fire safety, fire-fighting and road traffic accidents. Section 9 of the Act allows the Welsh Ministers to specify by order other core functions relating to emergencies for which fire and rescue authorities in Wales must make provision. Emergencies are defined in section 58 of the Act.
The Fire and Rescue Services (Emergencies) (Wales) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/3193 (W. 280)) (“the 2007 Order”) specified functions in relation to fire and rescue authorities in Wales in connection with emergencies involving chemical, biological or radio-active contaminants; emergencies involving structural collapse; and emergencies involving trains, trams or aircrafts.
This Order amends the 2007 Order. Article 2(2) of this Order specifies functions in relation to fire and rescue authorities in Wales in connection with emergencies involving flooding and inland water. Article 2(3) extends article 4(a) of the 2007 Order, which specifies the things that fire and rescue authorities must do in making provision for emergencies detailed in the 2007 Order. In future, as part of making provision for those emergencies, fire and rescue authorities will be required to secure the provision of equipment.
The Welsh Ministers’ Code of Practice on the carrying out of Regulatory Impact Assessments was considered in relation to this Order. As a result, a regulatory impact assessment has been prepared as to the likely costs and benefits of complying with this Order. A copy can be obtained from the Fire Services Branch, Welsh Government, Rhydycar, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 1UZ or by calling 0300 0628226.