Government Plan to give control of Fire Services to Police and Crime Commissioners

Government Plan to give control of Fire Services to Police and Crime Commissioners

Liberal Democrats in Local Government are leading the charge to oppose plans to transfer Fire and Rescue Services to Police and Crime Commissioners, arguing that the existing system works well in ensuring accountability and is also working to deliver reductions in fires.

LOCAL PRESS RELEASE:

HANDS OFF THE FIRE SERVICE SAY WESTON LIB DEMS

Government plans which could put the county's fire and rescue service under the direct control of the Police and Crime Commissioner must be opposed, say Weston's Liberal Democrats.

New proposals from the Government would allow politically elected Police and Crime Commissioners to take over fire authorities or place their own representative on the existing fire authority.

Weston's Liberal Democrats are calling on North Somerset to oppose the planned changes.

Lib Dem John Munro, said:" We fear this is another back door attempt to strip fire services of any local accountability or control. The jury is already out on whether Police and Crime Commissioners have had any beneficial results - why would you hand them the fire service as well?

"Currently, the fire authority for North Somerset is made up of representatives appointed by North Somerset.

"It gives local accountability and ensures decisions are made openly and for the whole community," added John. "Over the last decade, firefighters have shown just how effective they can be by halving the numbers of fires across the country through both their swift responses to emergencies and fantastic fire prevention work. Why fix something that isn't broken?"

Lib Dems are calling on North Somerset to respond to the Government's consultation and oppose the transfer of control for Avon Fire and Rescue Service to a single elected commissioner.

"It will only add yet more confusion if the Government forces through this change", said John Munro.