Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to (a) support staff morale and (b) help tackle concerns from staff in the West Midlands Fire Service.

I am responding as the Minister now with responsibility for Fire. It is the government’s priority to drive meaningful culture change across the fire and rescue sector.  Our fire professionals work under significant pressure and in challenging circumstances, so it is important that Fire and Rescue Authorities and the Fire and Rescue Services create a culture where every member of the team can thrive. This of course includes the staff at West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service.

In December 2024, the Home Secretary decided to commission a ‘Best Value Inspection’ of the West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority to ascertain whether the authority is meeting its Best Value obligations or if it is failing to do so, particularly regarding governance. We will ensure partners are kept updated on the development of this Best Value Inspection.

On 13 July 2023, the Home Office commissioned HMICFRS to undertake a thematic inspection of the handling of misconduct in fire and rescue services in England, building on the outcomes of the spotlight report. This report was published on 1 August 2024 and made 15 recommendations, including one to ensure all staff understand how to raise a concern and use grievance and whistle-blowing processes and feel safe in doing so. MHCLG is working closely with services to determine the level of progress made against these recommendations and if there are any systemic barriers to progress that government may be able to offer support for.