As soon as is practicable the Home Office, NFCC and LGA, in consultation with the Fire Standards Board and APCC, should establish a programme of work that will result in consistency in four priority areas: (1) identifying and determining risk as part of the IRMP process; (2) identifying and measuring emergency response standards; (3) defining high-risk premises for fire protection; (4) setting audit frequency expectations for high-risk premises.
State of Fire and Rescue: National Recommendations
Published 5 November 2025Fire & Rescue National Report7 recommendations
Seven national recommendations originally issued by HMCI Sir Tom Winsor in the first State of Fire and Rescue report (2019), updated annually. Responsibility transferred to MHCLG in April 2025.
Coverage
The organisations covered are not linked in this record. Check the original report for its scope and addressees.
Recommendations
As part of the next Spending Review, the Home Office in consultation with the Fire and Rescue Sector should address the deficit in the fire sector's national capacity and capability to support change.
The Home Office, in consultation with the fire and rescue sector, should review and with precision determine the roles of: (a) fire and rescue services; and (b) those who work in them.
Recorded response
Ministerial Advisory Group for Fire and Rescue Reform established 2024. Government proposed exploring role/responsibility changes. Update expected from MHCLG by 5 April 2026.
The Home Office, the LGA, the NFCC and trade unions should consider whether the current pay negotiation machinery requires fundamental reform. If so, this should include the need for an independent pay review body and the future of the 'Grey Book'.
Recorded response
National Employers self-led review conducted (not yet published). Grey Book reviewed for first time in approximately 20 years. Update expected by 5 April 2026.
The Home Office should consider the case for legislating to give chief fire officers operational independence. In the meantime, it should issue clear guidance, possibly through an amendment to the Fire and Rescue National Framework for England, on the demarcation between those responsible for governance and operational decision making by the chief fire officer.
Recorded response
MHCLG does not currently intend to legislate. Expects to address via updated national framework. Update expected by 5 April 2026.
The NFCC, with the LGA, should produce a code of ethics for fire and rescue services. The code should be adopted by every service in England and considered part of each employee's progression and annual performance appraisal.
Recorded response
Core Code of Ethics published May 2021 by Fire Standards Board, NFCC, LGA and APCC.
By 1 March 2025, the Home Secretary should introduce amendments to Parliament concerning the inspectors of fire and rescue that: (a) place a requirement on fire and rescue authorities to publish comments, within 56 days, in response to HMICFRS inspection reports; and (b) allow fire and rescue authorities, mayors, county councils and PFCCs to request HMICFRS inspections.
Recorded response
MHCLG working with HMICFRS on extending powers. Forthcoming policing bills may provide legislative vehicle. Update expected by 5 April 2026.