Fire Services: Planning

John McDonnell
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what advice has been given to fire and rescue authorities on pre-planning for major hazards and incidents since the Buncefield fire in December 2005.

Mr. Dhanda
[holding answer 21 January 2008]: Fire and rescue authorities (FRAs) are required by the fire and rescue service 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 enables the authority to tailor cover for fire and other incidents to local circumstances—evaluating where risk is greatest and allocating resource accordingly. It is a requirement that the IRMP is subject to a full consultation with the local community before it is agreed and published.

CLG has issued no specific guidance on planning for major hazards and incidents since December 2005.