Community right to challenge
The Community Right to Challenge is the right for community organisations to submit an expression of interest in running, or helping to run, services on behalf of local authorities including fire and rescue authorities. It was introduced by the Localism Act in 2011 (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2011/20/contents).
The Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority has a policy and procedure for deciding any expressions of interest submitted.
Submitting an expression of interest
The Authority will only consider expressions of interest submitted in August of any given year, for the delivery of a service to commence (at the earliest) in April of the following year. This is in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
Expressions of interest must be submitted in writing to:
The Director of Governance and Digital Services
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority
Service Headquarters
The Knowle
Clyst St George
Exeter
EX3 0NW
After you’ve submitted an expression of interest
If you’ve submitted an expression of interest during August, you can expect to hear from the Authority by:
- 30 September – to give you an indication of when it’s anticipated that a decision will be made on your expression of interest
- 31 January – to let you know the final decision on your expression of interest.
Request a copy of our policy
A copy of our policy and procedure as adopted by the Authority can be requested by writing to:
The Clerk to the Authority
Service Headquarters
The Knowle
Clyst St. George
Exeter
EX3 0NW