Police Commissioner seeks greater responsibility for fire service

Police and Crime Commissioner, Jason Ablewhite, is working with police and fire chiefs to explore options that would give him a greater role in the governance of Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service and will be inviting the public to have their say.

New legislation means that Police and Crime Commissioners can take on responsibilities for fire and rescue services in their area where a good case is made to do so. Over the last few months a business case that has been independently produced by PA Consulting sets out the options available and highlights the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Funding has been provided by central government to support the development of the business case.

Commenting on the proposals, Jason said: “One of my roles as Police and Crime Commissioner is to explore options for collaboration with other emergency services where there are potential benefits to be had. I believe that there are many advantages to be gained if I take on responsibility for governance of the fire service.

“Collaboration between Blue Light Services in Cambridgeshire is already strong especially since I took up office last year where I have been helping fire with joint estate solutions for training. My proposal is not a takeover of fire and rescue services, or a merger of the roles of police officers and firefighters. The distinction between operational policing and firefighting will be maintained.

“I believe that by taking over the governance arrangements from the council run fire authority, I can provide greater accountability and transparency of both police and fire services and can maximise front-line resources and improve public safety.   What this means in practice is I will be responsible for such things as decisions on how Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service spends its budget and whether new fire service facilities should be built or shared with other emergency services.

“I am planning a formal consultation on the proposals during July and August and would welcome people’s views on the options available. There will be an easy to complete online survey to make it easy to share your views.”

After the consultation the Local Business Case will be revised to take on board consultation comments and submitted to the Home Office for approval in the autumn. If approved the new arrangements would be introduced on 01 April, 2018.

ENDS

Notes to editors

The four options are:

Media enquiries to:

Charles Kitchin

Tel DD: 01954 42 5806

Mobile: 07809 332291

About The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner

Jason Ablewhite is the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cambridgeshire.

Police and Crime Commissioners have responsibility for delivering an efficient and effective police service in their area. Commissioners set police and crime objectives, the police budget and issue crime and disorder reduction grants through the Police and Crime Plan. Commissioners also hold the police to account, making them answerable to the public.

Further details can be found on the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner website