[31 January 2008]

East Sussex Fire Authority celebrates another success - 6th most improved authority nationally

Councillor Mike Murphy, Chairman of East Sussex Fire Authority has welcomed the findings of the latest independent Audit Commission report into the performance of East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, which confirms that the Authority is improving well. On behalf of all Members of the Fire Authority, he said:

"I am pleased that the Audit Commission, who assess all fire and rescue services in England, has confirmed that East Sussex is performing well in these assessments for 2007. This includes: The Use of Resources: how cost effective we are for our local council taxpayers and Direction of Travel - How well we are improving against the ever harder national performance targets. To receive a score of 'improving well' in these two categories is testament to the continued efforts of all fire and rescue service personnel to improve services to local communities. It is excellent news of jobs well done."

The latest assessment provided East Sussex Fire Authority with its 'Direction of Travel' score which judges progress since its last review in 2006 on how well the Authority is modernising and improving its performance across a raft of different measures. The Commission concluded that the Authority was the 6th most improved authority nationally based upon its performance indicator improvements since 2003/04. The Commission also recognised that the Service works actively with partners to improving community cohesion and community safety and can show positive outcomes, for instance in reducing arson. The Commission concluded that the Authority has a good approach to improvement planning and implementation, plans were robust and performance management good. On equality issues, the Commission concluded that the Authority is taking positive action to increase equality of access for users and the steps being taken to meet its equality objectives. Finally, it concluded that whilst the Service has relatively high costs, value for money was good and further improvements are planned.

The direction of travel assessments scores range from 4 (improving strongly), 3 (improving well), 2 (improving adequately) and 1 (not improving adequately or not improving).

Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive, Des Prichard, said: "We are very pleased with the results which accurately reflect the improvement the Service has made in recent times. It is a richly-deserved reward for our staff, whose professionalism and dedication continue to help achieve a safer community for the residents of East Sussex and the City of Brighton & Hove."

Cllr Mike Murphy, Chairman of East Sussex Fire Authority, added: "We strive to provide a first class service to our communities, at a price they are willing to pay, and these results confirm that we are heading in the right direction."