Essex Fire Service in danger

ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL LIBERAL DEMOCRATS

From the Office of the Leader of the Liberal Democrat Opposition

Date: 19 November 2015

More information:

County Councillor Barry Aspinell - 07958 623233

County Councillor Anne Turrell - 07734 906913

HANDS OFF THE FIRE SERVICE SAYS ESSEX 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, says Essex 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.

Essex Liberal Democrats are calling on Essex County Council to oppose the planned changes, citing the partnership Essex Fire and Rescue Service already has with other local authorities.

Lib Dem Cllr Barry Aspinell 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 Essex is made up of representatives appointed by Essex County Council and the two Unitary authorities of Southend and Thurrock.

"It gives local accountability and ensures decisions are made openly and for the whole community," added Cllr Anne Turrell:

"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 Essex County Council to respond to the Government's consultation and oppose the transfer of control for the fire service to a single elected commissioner.

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

ENDS