Commentary on Sections Part 9: Miscellaneous Section 166 – Combined Fire and Rescue Authorities: inquiries
724.This section amends sections 2 and 4 of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 to remove the requirement for the Welsh Ministers to hold an inquiry before varying a Fire and Rescue Authority’s (“FRA”) combination scheme, except where the variation would alter the area served by the FRA, or would revoke the combination scheme.
725.As a result of amendments made by this section to section 2(9)(c) and 4(7)(b) of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004, no inquiry will be required if a combination scheme is to be made, varied or revoked solely for the purpose of giving effect to an order under Part 3 of the 2013 Act (arrangements for local government) or regulations under Part 7 of this Act (mergers and restructuring of principal areas).
726.As a result of the amendment to section 2(10), a scheme under section 2 may be made (but not come into force) in advance of an order made under Part 3 of the 2013 Act or regulations made under Part 7 of this Act coming into force.
727.Section 166 also amends section 34(3) of the 2013 Act to require the Boundary Commission to consult any FRA for an area which may be affected by a proposed review of local government arrangements under Part 3 of that Act.