Fire and rescue under scrutiny.

(From Northampton Chronicle and Echo)

AN independent assessment setting out the performance of Northamptonshire's Fire and Rescue Service is set to be published over the summer.

The Audit Commission is expected to publish its findings as well as detail improvements to the county council-managed emergency service in August.

All fire and rescue authorities in the country are reviewed and given ratings for categories as part of the commission's programme of comprehensive assessments (CPA).

An inspection team spent several days monitoring the fire service on its performance, talking to staff as well as assessing whether it had been successful in delivering its priorities.

County Councillor Liz Tavener, (Con, New Duston) cabinet member with responsibility for public protection, said: "The county's fire service has already undergone several changes and is continuing to develop as we work towards providing a more up-to-date, modern service.

"The CPA review is looking at how the authority runs the service and how successful it is at meeting the needs of the community." As part of the assessment the team will publish a report on its corporate performance and not investigate the operational aspects of the service.