Written question asked by Lord Hammond of Runnymede (Conservative) on Friday, 25 June 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 5 July 2004. It was answered by Nick Raynsford (Labour) on Monday, 5 July 2004 on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

Question: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, whether it will be possible for fire authorities to repay transitional funding received from his Department in connection with the modernisation programme in the timescale originally required.

Answer: Mr. Hammond: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether it will be possible for fire authorities to repay transitional funding received from his Department in connection with the modernisation programme in the timescale originally required. [181563] Mr. Raynsford: The Government's position remains that the transitional funding should be repaid in full and within the Spending Review (SR2002) period. However, the Government recognises that there have been delays in the pay and modernisation process and that, among other things, this could mean that we will be seeking to recoup the transitional funding less than a year after it has been distributed to fire and rescue authorities. It is important that we get a clearer picture of the pressures fire and rescue authorities may face, and the extent to which they are making efficiency improvements. To this end the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, Local Government Association and Chief Fire Officer Association officials are working to develop the evidence base.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 181563; 423 c451W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Fire and rescue services Modernisation Repayments Transitional arrangements
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk