Fire service boards to be slimmed down under new Welsh Government plan
The Welsh Government has confirmed a major overhaul of how Fire and Rescue Services are governed across Wales, with smaller boards and new independent members introduced to strengthen accountability and leadership.
Housing and Local Government Secretary Jayne Bryant MS announced the reforms in a written statement to Members on Tuesday, following a public consultation held over the summer.
The changes follow years of cultural and governance issues within Fire and Rescue Services, most notably in South Wales, where Commissioners were appointed in February 2024 to take over management of the Service.
Ms Bryant said progress under the Commissioners had been good, with a return to local control expected in 2026. However, she said the sector’s wider governance arrangements remained weak and “do not provide effective leadership or clear accountability”.
Under the new structure, each Fire and Rescue Authority (FRA) will be reduced to one nominated member from each of its constituent local authorities. Those councillors must also serve on their own council’s executive or cabinet.
Independent members with relevant expertise will make up one third of each Authority’s membership, appointed by Welsh Ministers through open competition. Local authorities, unions and FRAs will all take part in the appointment process.
South Wales FRA will have 15 members in total, while the North Wales and Mid and West Wales FRAs will each have nine.
Appointments for chairs and vice-chairs will be made collaboratively, involving FRAs, local councils, the Welsh Government and the workforce “in a full spirit of social partnership”, Ms Bryant said.
The new governance arrangements are expected to take effect in mid-2026 in South Wales, and after the 2027 local elections for the other two regions.
FRAs will also face new duties to consult their constituent councils before setting annual budgets, with a requirement to justify levy levels in line with local demand for services.
The inspection regime will be strengthened, with the Chief Fire and Rescue Advisor and Inspector’s role formally redefined to focus on inspection. Additional inspection resources will be provided, in partnership with other UK inspectorates.
Ms Bryant said the reforms were designed to “yield the robust governance the Service so badly needs”.
Changes to membership and budget-setting will be made through subordinate legislation early in 2026. Further structural changes, such as a single all-Wales Fire and Rescue Service or council tax precept funding, would require primary legislation and are expected to be considered by the next Senedd.
An independent review of North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, published earlier this year, found serious leadership failings, bullying, favouritism in promotions, and a culture of fear that left many staff unwilling to speak out.
Chief Fire Officer Dawn Docx described the findings as “a watershed moment” and issued a full apology, pledging to implement all recommendations.
Cabinet Secretary Jayne Bryant said the findings were “deeply concerning” and mirrored issues seen elsewhere in Wales, underlining the need for stronger governance across all Fire and Rescue Services.
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