'Work already being done to improve fire service'

Work is already being done to strengthen the Guernsey Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) says the president of the committee charged with its oversight after concerns raised in an independent review.

It made 15 recommendations including a need for investment to tackle risks and developing a better relationship with the States as it was found to be affecting the service's ability to make decisions.

Deputy Marc Leadbeater, President of the Committee for Home Affairs, said they were working with GFRS to define and formalise the political roles.

In response to the review finding under-investment he said resources were strained across the board.

Leadbeater said: "We haven't got a magic pot of money... we are gonna to have to prioritise which [recommendations] are more important and see where we can help."

The report also found highlighted an urgent need to update "outdated" fire service laws.

Leadbeater said reviewing the primary fire laws was a big task involving a "a hell of a lot" of drafting, work and legislation.

He said: "There are things we can do by amendment, by ordinance or by regulation possibly to help stiffen up the areas where there may be gaps in that piece of legislation.

Leadbeater said there was not a cost estimate or timeline for any changes to the GFRS yet, as chief fire officer Les Britzman was going to go back to him with an "operational action plan".

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