The Scottish Government

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Legislative Framework

The Fire Services Act 1947 sets out the duties of local authorities in terms of making "efficient arrangements" for "fire-fighting purposes. The Fire Services Act 1959 made some further changes and it was at this time that fire service conditions of service became matters for individual fire authorities and subsequently the National Joint Council for Local Authorities Fire Brigades, rather than Ministers.

In addition to the requirement under the Fire Services Act 1947 to provide fire safety advice when requested, there are other legislative responsibilities vested in fire authorities. In the main these also relate to fire safety through their responsibility to enforce the Fire Precautions Act 1971 and more recently the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997.