Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service is responsible for providing day-to-day fire and rescue services across the two counties of Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Its governing body is Hereford & Worcester Fire Authority and it is through the Authority that the Service is answerable to the general public for its actions and performance.

The Authority is a legally required fire and rescue authority that ensures the Fire and Rescue Service is able to carry out its duties in relation to fire prevention, fire safety, firefighting and rescues, including from road traffic collisions and other emergencies, such as flooding. 

An important role is to collect funding from the local councils through a precept, which is a portion of Council Tax allocated to deliver its services; it also receives a small proportion of local business rates and grant funding from the Government. 

With this, the Authority sets a budget and approves the overall direction for the Service. The Authority is also responsible for appointing the Chief Fire Officer / Chief Executive. It holds the Chief Fire Officer to account, and ensures the Service has the right people, equipment and training to carry out duties efficiently and in the best interest of the public and community it serves. Click on the links below to find out more.