The government has published its consultation on the future of fire and rescue control services in England, following the cancellation last month of the Fire Control project.

The consultation document reviews the history, legacy and lessons learned from Fire Control, and considers whether the policy objectives behind it are the right ones to shape the future of control services – especially in the light of the government’s localism agenda.

In the document's executive summary, the government restates its support for the aim of resilience, but says there are now alternative approaches which could provide a more “proportionate and affordable” solution. Many of the advanced technology features envisaged in Fire Control, it says, are now available in existing control systems.

In the context of localism, the government believes its own contribution should be limited to where it can add value and where its role cannot be devolved to others.

The summary sets out four scenarios with varying degrees of decentralisation:

• a system of local controls without any central intervention or financial support
• the development of a common set of standards
• greater collaboration between fire and rescue authorities with some central intervention or support (the government’s preferred option)
• a standard networked solution

“This government believes that the fire and rescue community is best placed to decide the future of their control services,” said fire minister Bob Neill.

“No solution will be imposed. The consultation reviews the legacy assets from the project, as well as lessons learnt, and encourages the sector to make best use of these in their future plans, for the benefit of both the taxpayer and local communities.”

The Future of Fire and Rescue Control Services in England