Government Response: The Fire and Rescue Services (National Framework and Variation of Combination Schemes) (Wales) Order 2026

Technical Scrutiny point 1: The Welsh Government notes the Framework uses several slightly different formulations to describe itself in both the Welsh and English texts.However, we consider that the Welsh title for the Framework in the Order is accurate and it is sufficiently clear which document is being referred to, particularly given that the date the framework was published is included in article 2.

Technical Scrutiny point 2:                                             The Welsh Government notes the point. We consider that it is sufficiently clear that the legislation is referring to a member of the Authority.

Technical Scrutiny point 3:                                             The Welsh Government acknowledges that new paragraph 12A inserted in each of the Fire Services Combined Schemes does not require any numbered sub-paragraphs and will explore the possibility of an amendment by correction slip with the SI Registrar.

Technical Scrutiny point 4:                                             Yes, the intention was to amend paragraph 15(1) to note “A member of the Authority who ceases to be an executive member of the council which appointed him shall cease to be a member of the Authority” and rely on the definition of “executive members” which was inserted in each of the Schemes by this Order. The Welsh Government acknowledges that “member of the executive” is not the defined term. However, it is considered to be sufficiently clear that a member of the executive has the same meaning as an executive member, which is a defined term.

Technical Scrutiny point 5:                                             The Welsh Government note the comments in relation to the use of the verb “will”. However, we do not consider this would cause any confusion in practice.

Technical Scrutiny point 6:                                             The Welsh Government accepts that there is an obvious typographical error in article 4(1) in the English Text, and that “servies” should be “services” and will explore the possibility of an amendment by correction slip with the SI Registrar.