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Gloucestershire Business News

Hold your horses - councillors fight police chief's bid to take control of fire service

County councillors have voted to oppose proposals by Gloucestershire's Police and Crime Commissioner to take away their control of Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service.

The Commissioner Martin Surl has caused controversy by suggesting he should have "governance" of the fire service as well as Gloucestershire police.

But at Gloucestershire County Council on Wednesday members voted to urge the Home Secretary, Sajid Javid to reject the PCC's plan.

Cllr Dave Norman, lead cabinet member for public protection, said: "Separating the fire service from the council would put at risk essential prevention work they deliver for the most vulnerable in our communities, work they are recognised nationally for.

"Our social care colleagues and fire fighters carry out 7,600 safe and well visits and provide a 'first responder' services for 500 people who benefit from the telecare service, which means they can live safely and independently at home. I am not willing to put this vital work at risk.

"We already benefit from a strong partnership with the police, through which we deliver a range of effective joint initiatives.

Cllr Jeremy Hilton, Liberal Democrat, spokesperson for Fire and Rescue Service said: "It is highly disappointing that the Police and Crime Commissioner has not abandoned his plan to take over the fire service. The county council has been the fire authority for 44 years. Our fire service is well governed and does a great job of protecting the people of Gloucestershire.

"This doesn't need changing. The PCC's unwanted takeover bid is a distraction we just don't need."

Cllr Lesley Williams, leader of Labour and Green Co-Operative party, said: "The PCC's plan does not represent a good deal for the county. It doesn't stack up financially, there are no long term savings to be had, in fact more than £2.5m would need to be spent on establishing any new arrangements. Money better spent on delivering services."

But Mr Surl has hit back at county councillors, saying the vote against change was totally predictable and "a missed opportunity."

"Since the county council is the fire authority, anything other than a 'No' vote would have been like a confession that someone else might be able to oversee the service better than them ", said Mr Surl.

"But what was most disappointing was that once again there was little consideration given to how things might change for the better and how we might be able to work together for the greater benefit of the fire service and the people of Gloucestershire.

"Despite what councillors say, governance is not a merger, nor am I attempting a 'hostile takeover', nor am I 'empire building'. Governance is what a good manager does. It's keeping a careful eye on the books; making sure the fire and rescue service runs efficiently for the benefit of the whole community.

"The public consultation runs until 21 December and I have every confidence people in Gloucestershire who pay their council tax and submit their views by visiting www.gloucestershire-pcc.gov.uk/ will have a more open-minded approach than those on the county council".

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