“We are disappointed that the Government is looking to mandate transfers of fire governance to Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs), but we are glad to have an opportunity to feed into the consultation on transferring governance to PCCs."
Responding to the Home Secretary's recommendations to strengthen and extend the role of Police and Crime Commissioners published today, Cllr Ian Stephens, chair of the LGA’s Fire Services Management Committee, said:
“We are disappointed that the Government is looking to mandate transfers of fire governance to Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs), but we are glad to have an opportunity to feed into the consultation on transferring governance to PCCs.
“Local areas are best placed to make decisions on how they are governed and councillors who sit on English fire and rescue authorities do a tremendous job. The LGA believes there is no pressing need to change this status. The fire and rescue service is one of the best and most trusted public services that we have, and one we should cherish.
"We do not believe that new legislation is needed to introduce operational independence for chief fire officers. However, we recognise that both officers and councillors have distinct and complementary roles to play in delivering services to their communities. We look forward to working with the Government to feed into the White Paper as it progresses.”