Consultation on Fire and Rescue Service and Fire Safety Policy Principles
Feedback updated 22 Sep 2025
We asked
The purpose of the consultation was to seek views on the on the Fire and Rescue Service and Fire Safety Policy Principles. The intention was to understand the public views on the functions that the Fire and Rescue Service should deliver, including Fire Safety, and help shape the policies, objectives and priorities, as well as the means by which they are intended to be achieved.
The existing Fire and Rescue Service and Fire Safety legislation on the Island was recognised to be outdated. In particular, the Fire Precautions Act 1975 is identified as not only being limited in scope, but it is accepted that fire safety frameworks and practices have moved on significantly in recent years to less prescriptive, risk-based models.
You said
The Department received 51 responses, of which:
- 46 were from individuals
- 1 was on behalf of an organisation and
- 4 did not specify which group they belonged to
We did
The Department is thankful to those people who responded to the consultation. All responses received during the consultation period have been carefully considered, and have proven valuable in helping to refine and finalise the policy which will now inform the drafting of the new legislation. It is the intention that there will be another consultation on the draft Bills, which will provide further opportunity for public input before the legislation is finalised and submitted to the Branches of Tynwald.
In the interests of comprehensively summarising the views which were formally provided, a summary of responses document has been prepared and is available via a link in the Files section below.
Results updated 22 Sep 2025
Files:
Overview
This public consultation seeks to gather insight and feedback from the public regarding the Department's efforts in updating legislation in relation to the Fire and Rescue Service.
The consultation seeks views on draft policy principles that are under consideration to underpin updates to the current legislation. It also seeks to gain insight and views on how those principles would take effect in order to support with drafting the legislation.
The consultation is split into two parts; the first part sets out draft policy principles in relation to Fire Services Bill, and the second part sets out draft policy principles in relation to the Fire Safety Bill. There are common themes in each part, including an overall aim to meet the same standards that are required in neighbouring jurisdictions and being proportionate to the needs of the Isle of Man.
Why your views matter
The Department, as set out in the Department Plan 2024-25 (opens in a new tab), has a commitment to bring forward:
- The Fire Services Bill, a modernising piece of legislation to clarify the services provided by the Fire and Rescue Service and
- The Fire Safety Bill to modernise the fire protection legislation to include all places of work
Reasonable adjustments and alternative formats
The Department is committed to equal opportunities and our aim is to make our documents easy to use and accessible to all.
We will take steps to accommodate any reasonable adjustments and provide such assistance as you may reasonably require to enable you to access or reply to this consultation.
If you would like to receive this document as a paper copy, in another format or need assistance with accessing or replying to this consultation, please email Rebecca.Wiles@gov.im or telephone +44 1624 694318.
Responding to this consultation
You can respond to this consultation online by clicking on the 'Online Survey' link below. Alternatively you can download a paper version of this consultation in the 'Related' section below and email it to Rebecca.Wiles@gov.im or post it to:
Rebecca Wiles
Administration and Policy Executive
DHA Headquarters Building Tromode Road
Douglas
Isle of Man
IM2 5PA
What happens next
The Department will use the responses to this consultation to finalise the policy principles and inform drafting of the new primary legislation as well as planning implementation phases.
We will liaise further with respondents as necessary.
A consultation summary will be produced and made available on the Consultation Hub.
Areas
- All Areas
Audiences
- All residents
Interests
- Fire
- Legislation
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