Audit says fire service improving

Northamptonshire's fire and rescue authority has been awarded a fair rating by the Audit Commission, up from being rated weak four years ago.

The comprehensive performance assessment (CPA) praises the fire service's fire prevention work and partnerships with the local community.

But the report says there is room for improvement, for example with the setting of targets by management.

The CPA report rates authorities either good, fair, weak or poor.

It does not judge how well Northamptonshire County Council's fire authority responds to emergencies but does examine how well the authority is improving community safety.

'Build on achievements'

Council cabinet member for fire and community safety Brandon Eldred said: "The progression from a weak rating in 2005 to a fair rating in 2009 demonstrates the efforts that have been put in by the chief fire officer and his team.

"However, we recognise that we need to build on the achievements we have seen so far and will continue to work hard to enhance the safety and quality of life for the people who live, work or visit Northamptonshire."

Audit Commission senior manager Nigel Toms said: "Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Authority has clearly moved on since its last assessment in 2005.

"Its commitment to improving the safety of people living in, working in or visiting the county is evident from its sustained progress in many areas."

He said the authority was "in a strong position to build on its recent achievements, though as the authority recognises, there is still plenty of room for improvement".