To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what representations she has received on Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service funding for 2008-09. (183087)

During the consultation for the 2008-09 to 2010-11 Local Government Finance settlement, the Department received two representations, both from the authority, regarding funding for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority.

Since the consultation deadline of 8 January 2008, the Department has received three further letters regarding funding for Devon and Somerset FRA, one from the authority and two from hon. Members. The main issue in all these representations relates to the changes to the funding of the firefighter pension scheme that occurred in the 2006-07 settlement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if she will assess the impact of the proposed grant settlement for Devon and Somerset Fire Service for 2008-09 on fire service cover and public safety in Ilfracombe. (183089)

Formula Grant is an unhypothecated block grant, and authorities have no restrictions as to how they use their formula grant allocation on the services they provide.

Fire and Rescue Authorities are required by the Fire and Rescue National Framework to have in place and maintain an Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) which reflects local need and sets out plans to tackle effectively both existing and potential risks to communities. The IRMP process is about developing local and flexible plans to manage the risks of fire and all kinds of other emergencies, based on up to date local evidence, which will provide communities with a better targeted service and improved value for money. Each authority is responsible for determining its policies and standards for prevention and intervention in the light of the risks identified.