England's fire and rescue services will be subject to an efficiency review in order to identify savings and improvements.

In particular the exercise will look at training, staffing arrangements, procurement, shared services, sickness management and locally led mergers as ways of saving money.

Minister Brandon Lewis said: 'Public safety is always our first concern and this review will make sure no stone has been left unturned in the quest for the most efficient and effective front line fire service there can be.

'The review will commence in January [talking] to key partners, and will report in the spring of 2013.'

The exercise will be carried out by outgoing chief fire officer Sir Ken Knight, and will take in the views of local authorities, fire officers, trade unions and other emergency services.