How the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service operates to be updated

DHA is currently drafting two new bills

Government's updating its legislation around how the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service operates.

Two bills are in the process of being drawn up by the Department of Home Affairs.

The first is the Fire Services Bill - which hopes to support benchmarking of the service against those in neighbouring jurisdictions, while accepting the challenges faced by a small island.

Respondents to the consultation supported the introduction of a Community Risk Management Plan, a strategic document used by fire and rescue services to identify, assess and mitigate potential risks within their local area, aiming to improve public safety and efficiently allocate resources.

The second is the Fire Safety Bill - which centres on a risk-based approach to fire prevention legislation.

It will set out clear lines of responsibility for property owners and occupiers and reflects standards in England and Wales.

Minister for Justice and Home Affairs Jane Poole-Wilson MHK says: "I’d like to thank all the people who contributed to the consultation.

"Feedback was received from varying sources and the responses provided a helpful overview of public opinion on fire and rescue services and fire safety generally.

"Modernising the legal framework under which the Fire and Rescue Service work is vital. The Fire Services Act 1984 and Fire Precautions Act 1975, which govern the service, no longer fully reflect the duties required of the service.

"The Department of Home Affairs’ priorities include working with others to ensure that we support and enable community safety, and we reduce the harms that impact our communities and economy.  The Fire and Rescue Service is critical in achieving those aims and we are committed to ensuring we have modern legislation that underpins the critical work undertaken by our colleagues 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year."