6. Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the co-responding trial scheme undertaken by Welsh fire and rescue services? OAQ51807

Presiding Officer, this trial has now come to an end. It made a powerful case for firefighters responding to medical emergencies, which saves both lives and money. Making it permanent now depends on a new pay deal for firefighters, and I hope that both sides can reach an agreement on this. 

Thank you, Cabinet Secretary. We are all grateful to firefighters across the country for the work that they do in keeping us safe. I'm aware that the national joint council has put forward some proposals for change that may impact the work that firefighters undertake in our communities. Could you give us an indication of how you intend to respond to these proposals? I'm also aware that the Scottish Government has made a pay offer to the Scottish fire service that appears to be outside the current negotiation structure. Could you give us an indication if you intend to follow suit?

I met the national joint council and the Fire Brigades Union and employers' side on 30 January in order to discuss a paper that has been presented to me and other UK Ministers from the national joint council on different ways in which our fire service can develop in order to provide greater services for the community. We do already have a number of additional services delivered by the fire service across different parts of Wales. It is my objective to ensure that we're able to continue this conversation with the fire service, the FBU and the NJC in order to reach an agreement.

I'm also aware of the point that the Member makes about the situation in Scotland. I was very clear with the NJC that I do not necessarily see it as being, as it is currently structured, fit for purpose for the future. I certainly want to ensure that the national Governments in Wales and Scotland are able to have a greater ability to influence what happens there, whilst accepting that we are not the employers in this case, and there has to be a forum for national collective bargaining. We don't disagree with that principle, but we do need, I believe, to have a richer conversation with and about the fire services for the future.

I will also say, Presiding Officer, that I am looking at the moment at reform of the fire and rescue authorities in Wales, and I will be making a further statement on this matter to the National Assembly in due course.