What is the Combined Fire Authority?

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Authority is a combined authority created by the Durham Fire Services (Combination Scheme) Order 1996. 

Membership comprises of 21 elected councillors from Durham County Council and 4 from Darlington Borough Council. The Combined Fire Authority is a legal body with statutory duties and responsibilities. It makes sure that County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service is run to the highest standards of efficiency and effectiveness.

Members of the Combined Fire Authority will:

  • Make informed decisions in relation to Service policy and strategy aligned to the Authority’s vision, priorities, objectives and values.
  • Approve the Service’s budget and ensure they receive sufficient money from local council tax.Monitor the Service’s performance to ensure it is efficient, effective and economical.
  • Appoint the following positions:

Chief Fire Officer
Clerk to the Fire Authority
Deputy Chief Executive (who is also the Treasurer to the Fire Authority)
Deputy Chief Fire Officer
Assistant Chief Fire Officer

  • Act as the final level of appeal in employee disciplinary and grievance procedures

The Combined Fire Authority is governed by its Constitution, which you can read by clicking the link below:

You can find out more about the Combined Fire Authority by clicking on the headings at the side of this page.