Express & Star

Fire service governance merger faces legal challenge

The legality of a controversial bid to merge fire and police service governance in Staffordshire is being questioned by opponents to the plan.

Published
Staffordshire PCC Matthew Ellis

It follows the go-ahead by the Home Secretary Amber Rudd last week for the Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service to be governed by the county’s police and crime commissioner (PCC).

Now the fire authority is to join with other regions in a similar situation to seek advice from a Queen’s Counsel lawyer.

They include West Mercia, Hereford and Worcester and Cambridgeshire fire and rescue services.

The current proposals mean that Staffordshire fire and rescue authority – made up of 21 councillors from Staffordshire county and Stoke-on-Trent city councils – will fold, putting at risk 68 jobs in finance, human resources and communication departments.

Authority chairman Stephen Sweeney said ‘at least preliminary advice’ from a QC into whether the decision was made ‘in an appropriate fashion’ and whether a judicial review was possible should be sought.

Members have given their consent for the initial talks to take place.

Staffordshire PCC Matthew Ellis has insisted that the change to governance would not affect frontline operations and could improve them, ensuring money was directed there instead of administrative services.

Opposed

The plans are opposed by Staffordshire County Council, Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Authority.

Mr Ellis has said the changes will be implemented over the ‘coming weeks and months’.

He claims greater collaboration between the two organisations would improve operations and save £36million in the coming decade.

Plans for the new arrangements, which will see the two organisations remain independent, are also set to be published.

Lichfield MP Michael Fabricant has welcomed the news, claiming he was ‘delighted and relieved’ the fire service will come under the PCC’s authority.

The fire and rescue authority was paid almost £120,000 last year in allowances and expenses, with Councillor Sweeney picking up more than £20,000.

Staffordshire County Council leader Philip Atkins, who attended the fire authority meeting, said: “We are in favour of police and fire services working more closely together, along with health services.

“But concerns have been voiced about the merger.”