National Framework
The National Framework is a strategic plan outlining how the the Fire and Rescue Service can deliver its Public Service Agreement target and other objectives. Rather than being a national blueprint, it is intended to provide a platform from which fire and rescue authorities can build local solutions.
Sir George Bain's Independent Review of the Fire Service found that there had been a lack of direction to the Service from successive governments. In response, the June 2003 White Paper "Our Fire and Rescue Service" made clear that the Government would publish a National Framework setting out what the Service was expected to achieve, how it should undertake specific functions, and the support that would be provided. The White Paper set out the Government's vision for the Fire and Rescue Service. The National Framework makes clear who needs to do what to make that vision a reality.
It brings together in one place existing priorities and objectives for fire and rescue authorities, providing strategic direction from central government while ensuring that authorities continue to make local decisions. The National Framework is designed to give authorities a firm foundation on which to build local solutions. It is a forward looking strategic plan setting out how the new Fire Public Service Agreement (PSA) target and other objectives can be achieved.
The 2006-8 Fire and Rescue National Framework was published on 6th April 2006. The Government will publish future National Frameworks in the autumn, to allow authorities to take full account of it in their budgeting processes and will consult with representatives of fire and rescue authorities and their employees before making any significant changes to the Framework.
