Fire and emergency planning

Posted: Sun Apr 19, 2009 12:51 pm

What changes are there to fire and emergency planning services in London?
The existing London Fire and Civil Defence Authority was reconstituted on 3 July 2000 as the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA), which is directly accountable to the Mayor.

Who runs the LFEPA?
There are 17 members of the LFEPA, nine from the London Assembly and eight nominated by the London boroughs via the Association of London Government. These members were appointed on 1 June 2000.

What does the LFEPA do?

For fire, the LFEPA:

* sets the strategy for the provision of fire services
* ensures the fire brigade can meet all normal requirements efficiently
* nsures members of the fire brigade are properly trained and equipped
* ensures effective arrangements are in place to receive fire calls and deal with them promptly
* ensures information likely to be useful for firefighting is gathered
* ensures arrangements for advice and guidance on fire prevention are made

For emergency planning, the LFEPA holds and fulfils the following responsibilities by law:

* assists the boroughs with all aspects of planning for emergencies on request
* the preparation, review, revision and testing of off-site emergency plans for industrial sites in London that fall under the Control of Major Accident Hazard Regulations
* the preparation and updating of arrangements for the distribution of information to the public in the event of a radiological incident in London
* the preparation and updating of emergency plans for 350 kilometers of pipelines that fall within the Pipeline Safety Regulations within London

What does the Mayor do?

* appoints the members of the LFEPA and its Chair
* sets the LFEPA's budget

What does the Assembly do?

* examines and approves the Mayor's budget for the fire and emergency planning services
* keeps a close watch on the overall performance of the LFEPA
* provides nine members to sit on the LFEPA's board

What do the boroughs do?

* Boroughs nominate eight members to represent them all, who are appointed by the Mayor

Members of the LFEPA

Further information
LFEPA website www.london-fire.gov.uk

You can contact the LFEPA at:
London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority
169 Union Street
London
SE1 0LL
Telephone 020 8555 1200
Email info@london-fire.gov.uk

London Fire and Civil Defence Authority Best Value Performance Plan 2000/2001

Report of Her Majesty's Fire Service Inspectorate: London Fire Brigade. Inspection carried out during 1996 and the report presented to the Home Secretary in June 1997.
ISBN 1 85893 8910

Report of HM Chief Inspector of Fire Services for England and Wales 1998-99. December 1999 Cm. 4535