What Governance arrangements will be put in place to ensure the reforms at South Wales Fire and Rescue Services are sustained once the functions of the commissioners are returned to the Authority?
Relevant interest declared
Former Employee and also my son works for SWFRS
I made a Written Statement to the Senedd on 13 July, setting out the basis for extending the commissioners’ appointments and continuing the intervention until after the 2027 local government elections.
In response to the Member’s further questions, I do not intend to return functions to local control on a phased basis. Full control will return to South Wales Fire and Rescue Authority once I am confident that the improvements made are sustainable and can be maintained under local democratic control. I will publish updated terms of reference for the Commissioners shortly which will clearly reflect our collective priorities for continued improvement and preparation for a smooth return to local governance arrangements in due course.
Progress reports on the recommendations arising from the review conducted in 2023-24 by Fenella Morris KC are published by South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and are available on the Service's website.
FIRE & RESCUE AUTHORITY SUMMONS
Direct intervention costs, including those relating to Commissioners’ remuneration, are borne by South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and the information you requested is not held centrally by the Welsh Government. The previous Government provided £106,250 across 2024-25 and 2025-26 to support an external assessment of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service contracted by the Commissioners.
I intend to adopt the governance structure which the previous Government legislated for in March 2026. The Fire and Rescue Services (National Framework and Variation of Combination Schemes) (Wales) Order 2026 introduces new governance arrangements for all three Fire and Rescue Authorities in Wales, including a revised membership structure.