Fire policy moves from Home Office to MHCLG

The UK government has confirmed that responsibility for fire will move from the Home Office to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

Prime Minister Keir Starmer made the announcement in a written statement, citing the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s Phase 2 report as the basis for the decision.

Starmer said: “On 4 September 2024 I announced that the Government would respond in full to the Grenfell Phase 2 Inquiry report within six months.

In response to one of the recommendations from the report, I am confirming today that responsibility for fire will move from the Home Office to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.”

According to the statement, the change is intended to create a more coordinated approach to fire safety by placing responsibility for both fire and building safety under one department.

The Home Office will retain control of the Airwave Service Contract and remain responsible for the Emergency Services Mobile Communications Programme and His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS).

Fire Brigades Union welcomes the move

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) expressed support for the change, calling it an important step toward addressing challenges faced by the fire and rescue service.

Steve Wright, FBU general secretary, said: “The Fire Brigades Union wholeheartedly welcomes this move as an important first step to repairing the damage done to the fire and rescue service by recent governments.”

He added that the union was encouraged by the government’s timely response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and reiterated support for those affected by the disaster: “Our thoughts are with the bereaved, survivors and residents of the tower, and their fight for justice.”

Wright stated that the union looks forward to working with ministers to ensure adequate funding and national standards for fire and rescue services.

NFCC supports fire governance transfer

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) also welcomed the transition of fire and rescue responsibilities to MHCLG.

NFCC Chair Mark Hardingham said: “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 emphasised that the NFCC looks forward to collaborating with MHCLG to improve fire services and secure investment for the sector.

Hardingham also acknowledged the work of previous Fire Ministers and Home Office officials, stating: “Their commitment to fire and rescue has been invaluable and we appreciate their contribution to strengthening the sector.”

Continued collaboration with the Home Office

While oversight of fire policy is shifting, the NFCC stated that cooperation with the Home Office will continue on key issues.

Hardingham highlighted areas where collaboration remains necessary, including counter-terrorism efforts, tackling violence against women and girls, and joint work with police services.

“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,” he said.

UK government transfers fire responsibility from Home Office to MHCLG: Summary

The UK government has confirmed that responsibility for fire will transfer from the Home Office to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the change follows recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s Phase 2 report.

The move consolidates fire and building safety oversight under MHCLG.

The Home Office will retain responsibility for certain fire-related functions, including the Airwave Service Contract and the Emergency Services Mobile Communications Programme.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) welcomed the change, calling it a necessary step in addressing long-standing issues in fire services.

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) also expressed support, stating that it looks forward to working with MHCLG to improve resilience and funding for fire and rescue services.

The NFCC confirmed that collaboration with the Home Office will continue on counter-terrorism, policing, and violence prevention initiatives.

The transition will take effect from 1 April 2025.