The latest government audit has shown that Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service is one of the top fire and rescue services in the country.
The Service has received a score of three out of four in each area of the new two-part audit and is judged as 'Performing Well; Exceeding Minimum Standards'.
The audit is conducted in two parts. The first part examines the Service's 'use of resources', which looks at how well the finances, staff and assets are managed, and how well the Service is run. The second part covers the subject of 'managing performance', which looks at whether the Service makes a difference to local people's lives, whether it is operationally effective and if the Service is improving, has good leadership and works well with partners.
The assessment report states that Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has "an impressive track record of making a positive impact on people's quality of life." It also praises the Service's leadership, operational service, performance and its strategy; which ensures high levels of service, including fast response times. It also highlights the Service's partnership working to help improve the lives of people across Tyne and Wear and the fact that it has made significant efficiency savings.
Chief Fire Officer Iain Bathgate, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: "This is a significant achievement, especially as this assessment is a new and tougher approach. I am delighted that it recognises the excellent service we provide to the community to help make them safer.
"Over the last three years we have reduced the number of injuries from house fires by almost half, reduced the number of accidental house fires by more than double and reduced the number of anti-social behaviour fires by a third. We have achieved this by working in partnership with our colleagues in the local authorities, police, the public and other organisations.
"I am pleased to see that our latest audit contributes to the Oneplace assesssments which let the public know how well public services are performing in their area. I firmly believe that by working well together we have made huge strides in making the area a greater place to live, work, study and visit and that we will continue to do so in the future. However we are not complacent and know we need to continually improve to ensure the best possible service for local people."
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service still has the fastest operational response in the country and for the last two years running it has set the lowest Council Tax precept increase of all the fire and rescue services in the country.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service's assessment contributes to the overall Oneplace assessment of the five local authority areas it covers. Oneplace will give residents an independent view of whether their public services are focusing on what matters for where they live. It shows how well councils, police, the NHS and other local services are working together. More information about the Service's assessment and the Oneplace assessments are available at http://oneplace.direct.gov.uk/Pages/default.aspx
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