New Dimension programme

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The New Dimension programme, sometimes referred to as the New Dimension or New Dimensions, was started by the Department for Communities and Local Government in the UK, for fire and rescue services in England and Wales, following the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States. It has provided equipment, training and standardised procedures to deal with terrorist attacks and major environmental disasters.^[1][2]

The New Dimension programme operates at a national, regional and local level, and while it does not apply specifically to Scotland, a Fire and Rescue Service circular, published in 2007 noted that: "Officials in the Welsh Assembly Government and the Scottish Executive agree in principle that the general terms of the Mutual Aid Protocol should apply 'cross-border' between Scotland, England (and Wales)."^[3] In 2004, the provision of the New Dimensions Programme in Wales was devolved to the Welsh Assembly. Despite devolution, the Welsh New Dimensions policies, equipment and vehicles are near identical to its English and Scottish counterparts, training regularly with the two.^[4]

By July 2004, the New Dimension programme had provided £56 million to various projects; a further £132 million was promised for the period up to 2007.^[1] New Dimension provides a co-ordinated approach across the emergency services, and local authority emergency planners and the scheme has been supported and promoted by the Chief Fire Officers Association.