“Responding quickly and effectively to emergencies” is just one statement from within the Audit Commission assessment of Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service released today.

The Audit Commission recognises that the Fire & Rescue Authority is “making communities safer...it responds quickly and effectively to emergencies...shows great commitment to delivering community safety campaigns to help vulnerable people...works well with partners to improve the quality of life in the area”. It also recognises the high public satisfaction rates and also states: “The Authority’s arrangements for securing Value for Money and savings are especially good.”

However areas identified for improvement include; making the Integrated Risk Management Plan more strategic, increasing the awareness of the contribution that can be made by Fire & Rescue Service to partnerships, recruiting more women and people from minority backgrounds and demonstrating more fully the impact of its community safety work.

Welcoming the report, Chief Fire Officer Lee Howell said : “I recognised many of the issues highlighted by the Audit Commission report when I took over earlier this year. Whilst taking comfort from the positive words within the report, I recognised earlier this year that we have more to do and instigated a range of issues to take us towards excellence. Whilst this will take time, I am confident that we have the skills, determination and political support to make this vision a reality.”

The Chairman of the Fire Authority, Councillor Bernard Hughes, said: “A great deal has already been achieved and I’m pleased that the Audit Commission recognises that which the public already know, that we deliver a good service and provide value for money. We will continue to meet public expectations and plan on becoming an even better organisation. As the Audit Commission themselves say, our ‘prospects for improvement are excellent’.”

Ends

Notes to editors:

The full report can be seen on the oneplace websitewww.audit-commission.gov.uk