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As the government forges ahead with its devolution agenda in England, West Midlands Fire Service will move under the combined authority mayor meaning the demise of West Midlands Fire Authority which has been dogged by controversy since death of fire chief Wayne Brown in January 2024.
The Fire Minister told West Midlands Fire Authority that the government will transfer its functions to the Mayor by mid 2027. It is subject to legislation that is going through Parliament this year. The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill (2025) is currently at Committee stage in the House of Lords.
This comes as the Fire Authority is undergoing a Best Value inspection by Fenella Morris KC. She was appointed in July 2025 to look at governance concerns including an examination of whistle blowing, grievance and disciplinary procedures. The report is due to be sent to the Secretary of State by end of March 2026.
Richard Parker was elected as the Labour Mayor of the West Midlands in 2024. He will be up for re-election in 2028 along with a raft of other mayors. He said: “I look forward to working with the service and supporting its staff as they continue to keep this region safe. The priority will always be to ensure public safety, operational resilience and stability, and a rapid frontline response.”
In a joint statement, Chief Fire Officer Simon Tuhill and Chair of WMFRA, Cllr Cathryn Bayton, said that in the meantime, “the service and authority will continue working closely with the Mayor of the West Midlands and the Combined Authority, maintaining our focus on delivering an outstanding and trusted emergency service for communities across the region.”
As devolution extends to other areas of England it will mean that other fire and rescue services will also move away from the fire authority governance model as well. The so-called “devolution revolution” will see mayors in Cumbria, Cheshire & Warrington, Norfolk & Suffolk, Greater Essex, Sussex & Brighton, and Hampshire & Solent. This in turn will affect both fire and police governance in these areas.
Read more background – HMICFRS consults Home Secretary on inspection of West Mids Fire.
