Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has confrmed the Government’s implementation of one of the key recommendations of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry report, bringing responsibility for building safety and fire under a single Secretary of State.
In line with the full response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry report by the government, which is expected on 4 March 2025, Sir Keir made the machinery of government statement on 13 February 2025.
The PM stated: “This change will bring responsibility for building safety and fire under a single Secretary of State, providing for a more coherent approach to keeping people safe from fire in their homes.
“The Home Office will retain management of the Airwave Service Contract on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and will remain responsible for the Emergency Services Mobile Communications Programme and His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS).”
National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Chair, Mark Hardingham, welcomed the transfer.
“Fire and rescue services face considerable challenges – from implementing significant reforms following the Grenfell Tower fire, to ensuring resilience and sustainability, to adapting to evolving risks,” he said. “We look forward to working collaboratively with MHCLG to support fire and rescue services and firefighters, to secure fire investment, and to drive improvements across the sector.
“I would like to thank those we have worked with in the Home Office, including Dame Diana Johnson who held the role of Fire Minister most recently, but also former Ministers and departmental officials for their leadership, partnership and support over the years. Their commitment to fire and rescue has been invaluable and we appreciate their contribution to strengthening the sector. We will, of course, continue to work closely with the Home Office on key issues involving the fire and rescue service, such as joint working on Counter Terrorism, tackling violence against women and girls and collaboration with policing.
“As we move forward, we remain committed to working collaboratively and constructively with government to deliver the best possible outcomes for fire and rescue services across the country and the communities they serve.”
