Written question asked by Alistair Burt (Conservative) on Wednesday, 25 February 2015, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 27 February 2015. It was answered by Penny Mordaunt (Conservative) on Wednesday, 4 March 2015 on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Fire and Rescue Services: Medals

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what progress his Department has made in discussion with the Honours and Decorations Committee and the Cabinet Office on introducing a further medal or bar to the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal for firefighters that far exceed 20 years' service.

Answer: The viability of awarding firefighters for service beyond the existing 20 years is currently being investigated by my Department. There are processes which need to be followed prior to discussion with the Honours and Decorations Committee taking place but officials are progressing the issue and will be in touch with the Committee in due course.

The number of medals awarded to firefighters in each of the last five year are as follows:

2010 - 1,737
2011 - 1,465
2012 - 1,011
2013 - 1,246
2014 - 1,147

These figures do not include Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales

Secondary information