PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
(15 July 2026)

The Government is working closely with the fire and rescue sector as part of its wider programme of reform. This includes considering roles and responsibilities such as flooding and inland water rescues.

Fire and rescue authorities have duties under the Civil Contingencies Act (2004) to prepare for emergencies. They also have discretionary powers to respond to incidents under their general powers in the Fire and Rescue Services Act (2004) and in response to the risks set out in their Community Risk Management Plans prepared under the Fire and Rescue National Framework for England.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government recently conducted a Rapid Flood Review alongside the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs that looked to gather evidence around expansion of flood capacity in the sector. Recommendations from this work will help inform future decisions in this area.