Wednesday 9 December 2009 08.30hrs
Avon Fire & Rescue Service is celebrating after the Audit
Commission has reported that the service is ‘Performing well’ in an
Organisational Assessment under the Government’s Comprehensive Area
Assessment (CAA). This ranks AF&RS the second highest
performing fire and rescue service in the country.
The report, which is published today, says that Avon Fire
Authority delivers good value for money and has a solid track
record of operating within budget.
Further to this, the report praises efficiency savings made by
Avon Fire Authority of over £600,000 in the 2008 to 2009 financial
year – providing local tax payers with lower than average Council
Tax rates compared to other fire and rescue services across the
country.
The service’s financial success is attributed to the hard work
and productiveness of its staff and also the strong partnership
arrangements it has at local level – both which increase the
effectiveness of its services, while providing valuable cost
efficiencies.
With a number of fire and rescue services across the country
experiencing industrial action, the report sites good relationships
between Fire Authority Members, Unions, senior management and staff
as key in ensuring continued services during times of change.
This has been helped by close working between Fire Authority
Members and the Service Management Board over major, and often,
difficult decisions.
Local communities can also take comfort that their safety is
paramount, with the report stating that the service is ‘well
prepared and equipped to deal with major emergencies’ and, that it
plays a vital role in ‘making the Avon area a safer place to work
and live’.
Alongside this, the report highlights work in improving services
to the most vulnerable in the community, such as older people and
those on low incomes. Recognised as a priority area of work,
the service is praised for its use of sophisticated technology to
pinpoint risk areas within the community so that staff can carry
out targeted safety work.
Chair of Avon Fire Authority, Councillor Terry Walker said: "I
am encouraged to receive today’s report from the Audit Commission
and am extremely proud that we have officially been recognised as
‘Performing well’.
"As always we endeavour to provide the best service to our
communities and despite the economic climate, I am delighted that
we are able to offer true efficiency savings, while continuing our
focus on public safety through prevention, protection and
response.”
Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive Kevin Pearson said: “This
latest report recognises the dedication and professionalism of all
our staff working towards the shared goal of making our communities
a safer place for people to live, work and visit.
"Similar to the procedures we have in place to respond to
emergencies, over the last few years we have worked hard to ensure
a joined up approach to safety initiatives by building strong
partnerships with many external agencies and organisations.
By working together we are successfully reducing risks to the
community, while providing sound efficiency savings.
“I am delighted with the Audit Commission’s report of
‘Performing well’ and I look forward to continued success in the
coming years.”