Best Value Inspection: West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority
Source: gov.uk (2025-09-19)

Documents relating to the Best Value Inspection of West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority.

This page collates all publications relating to the inspection of West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority (FRA) announced in July 2025 and conducted under section 10 of the Local Government Act 1999.

There have been several serious allegations relating to the conduct of senior leaders in West Midlands Fire Service, resulting in concerns about the extent to which the FRA has been effectively governing the Service.

Prior to the transfer of ministerial responsibilities for fire and rescue policy from the Home Office to the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government on 1 April 2025, Home Office ministers took the decision to commission a Best Value Inspection of West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority. Whilst the Fire Service has been subject to routine inspection (https://hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/frs-assessments/west-midlands-2023-2025/) by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services last year, it was not within the Inspectorate’s remit to consider matters relating to the efficiency and effectiveness of the Fire and Rescue Authority. Therefore, the Best Value process was considered the appropriate one to undertake that consideration.

In August 2024, as part of their annual review, West Midlands FRA commissioned Grant Thornton to undertake a review of the FRA’s recruitment and appointments processes. It found that there were significant failings in due diligence around recruitment and appointments. The Local Government Association (LGA) has established a Corporate Governance Improvement Board (CGIB), chaired by Zoe Billingham, a former His Majesty’s Chief Inspector (HMCI). The Board aims to support the FRA to address the findings of Grant Thornton’s review, strengthen its governance arrangements and to prepare itself to implement any recommendations that emerge from the Best Value Inspection. A preliminary governance review (https://www.wmfs.net/news/governance-improvement-plan-set-to-be-considered-by-wmfra/), led by the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny and funded by the LGA, will inform the CGIB’s work.

On 8 July 2025, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Building Safety, Fire and Local Growth, Alex Norris MP, announced in a written ministerial statement (https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2025-07-08/hcws787) the formal launch of the Best Value Inspection.

The Inspection will consider the FRA’s compliance with its Best Value duties under section 3 of the Local Government Act 1999, to secure continuous improvement in the way in which its functions are exercised, having regard to a combination of economy, efficiency, and effectiveness, with a focus on areas of governance, leadership, driving change, culture, and external scrutiny.

The Inspection will consider processes for addressing complaints, whistleblowing, grievances, and ensuring a positive workplace culture. Recruitment, promotions, and contract management will also be reviewed for fairness and integrity. Inspectors will analyse documentation, conduct interviews with current and former FRA and Fire Service members, and engage other stakeholders, including members of the public.

The Secretary of State for Housing Communities and Local Government has exercised her powers under section 10 of the Act to appoint Fenella Morris KC as the Lead Inspector, Anna Bicarregui and Gethin Thomas as Assistant Inspectors, and Tasnim Shawkat as Assistant Inspector (Monitoring Officer) to undertake the Inspection. It is anticipated that the Inspection will deliver its recommendations during the first quarter of 2026.

The Inspection team wishes to invite representations from current and former serving members since November 2022 of the West Midlands FRA and West Midlands Fire Service and from other interested parties. Written representations or requests to speak with the inspection team can be sent in strict confidence to: xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx).