The Local Government Association (LGA) is a politically led cross-party organisation, representing local authorities across England and Wales. Its membership includes English councils, fire and rescue authorities, the 22 Welsh councils in corporate membership through the Welsh LGA, National Parks Authorities and Parish/Town Councils via corporate membership with NALC.
The Fire Commission provides a forum for members and key partners to come together to discuss matters of common interest and concern to fire and rescue authorities and to exchange good practice. The Fire Commission is led by the Chair of the Fire Services Committee, with the Deputy and Vice Chairs providing cross-party oversight of its work.
All fire and rescue authorities in full or associate membership of the LGA have the right to representation and voting on the Commission. Additional members from fire authorities are appointed as necessary by the political groups to ensure political balance.
The Commission should meet a minimum of twice a year with additional meetings held as and when required.
Ordinary members of the Fire Commission are not remunerated. Members of the FSC are remunerated.
Chair of the Commission Accountabilities
To chair meetings of the Commission, and to secure the views and active involvement of the wider membership to inform the LGA’s fire and rescue service priorities and policy lines.
Remuneration is set out in the Scheme of Members’ Allowances. This allowance covers the role of Fire Commission Chair and Chair of the FSC. The Chair is required to complete a Register of Interest form and to update it annually, or when his/her circumstances change.
Travel and expenses
This role will require attendances at meetings in London and in other parts of the country. Reasonable travel and subsistence costs incurred by the Chair of the Commission in the discharge of their duties will be paid by the LGA.
Commission Members Accountabilities
- To attend and actively participate in Fire Commission meetings and other related activities.
- To read and understand all agenda papers in advance of the meeting, and to keep abreast of all developments locally and nationally in relation to the areas covered by the Fire Commission.
- To report back to home authority and appropriate local/regional groupings and act as an advocate for the LGA and its work.
- To attend conferences and other events initiated by the Commission and/or FSC.
Travel and expenses
This role may require attendance at meetings in London and in other parts of the country. Travel and subsistence costs incurred in attending Commission meetings should be met by the member’s home authority