Seventeen fire and rescue authorities (38%) have performed 'well' and exceed minimum requirements, according to a report focussing on financial audits and use of resources. The rest were either performing 'adequately' (meeting only minimum requirements) or in one case (Cornwall Fire and Rescue Authority) performing poorly and not even meeting minimum requirements.

The Audit Commission report for the financial year 2008/9 includes a section on how well fire authorities manage and use their resources to deliver value for money and better outcomes for local people. This forms part of the Comprehensive Area Assessment (CAA) framework, which examines how well public bodies in an area work together to meet the needs of the people they serve.

• The ratings were compiled from examining three themes focussing on:
• sound and strategic financial management
• strategic commissioning and good governance
• the management of natural resources, assets and people

The assessment of fire authorities' use of resources is more demanding for 2008/9 than previous assessments, says the Audit Commission, as is focuses more on value for money achievements, outputs and outcomes, rather than on arrangements and processes. Scores are therefore not comparable to previous years.