Release date: 1 July 2025
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service has launched a public consultation on its proposals for its next Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP).
The CRMP is the fire service’s business plan setting out how it will keep the communities of West Sussex safe over the next four years, building on the priorities laid down in the service’s CRMP 2022 – 2026.
Last year the service launched a community questionnaire to ask people about the risks in West Sussex that concerned them the most. This feedback, together with a strategic assessment of the risks that exist within the county, has informed the plans proposed in this public consultation.
The service is now asking people for their views on the plans it proposes to put in place from April 2026 to make West Sussex a safer place to live, work and visit. The CRMP has five key areas of focus which include:
- Preventing fires and emergencies from happening
- Protecting people, firefighters and property by making buildings as safe from fire as they can be
- Responding to fires and emergencies quickly and effectively
- Having a safe and valued workforce
- Making best use of resources
Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire & Rescue Duncan Crow said: “This is your opportunity to have your say on our CRMP proposals. Your views will help shape West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s plans to keep you and your loved ones safe for the rest of the decade.”
Fire and rescue services have a statutory duty to periodically create, review, and update their risk management plans based on national guidelines to explain how they will reduce risk and use resources. This is required by the National Framework produced by the Home Office and is supported by guidance from the National Fire Chiefs Council.
Chief Fire Officer Sabrina Cohen-Hatton said: “As a fire and rescue service we are continually analysing and assessing the risks within our communities. We allocate our resources based on the risks identified, whilst also being conscious of the associated demand, to keep the people living in our communities safe. After listening to all of the feedback you provided us through our Community Questionnaire last year, we would now once again like to ask you for your views on the plans that we propose to put into place from April 2026.
“We need your input to ensure our plans align with the needs of our communities so I would encourage everyone to take part in our consultation and share your views.”
People can share their views on the CRMP proposals by completing the online survey or by calling 01243 786211 to request a paper copy. The consultation closes on 22 September.
