West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority Best Value Inspection Announced

On 8 July 2025, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State of Building Safety announced an independent Best Value Inspection of West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority. The Secretary of State has appointed 39 Essex Chambers’ barristers Fenella Morris KC as the Lead Inspector, with Anna Bicarregui and Gethin Thomas as Assistant Inspectors (pursuant to section 10 of the Local Government Act 1999).

The Inspection will examine the Fire and Rescue Authority’s compliance with its Best Value duty to ‘ensure that any failings are identified, addressed and rectified’, with a focus on governance.

Ministerial statements were made in both the House of Commons, and House of Lords.