HM Government - Enabling closer working between the emergency services

The Government is consulting on a series of measures to transform the delivery of local fire and police services, and drive greater collaboration between the police, fire and rescue and NHS ambulance services. The measures being consulted upon are:

• introducing a new duty on all three emergency services to actively consider collaboration opportunities with one another to improve efficiency and effectiveness;
• enabling Police & Crime Commissioners to take on the duties and responsibilities of fire and rescue authorities, where a local case is made;
• where a Police & Crime Commissioner takes on the responsibilities of a fire and rescue authority, enabling him or her to create a single employer for police and fire staff, facilitating the sharing of back office functions and streamlining management;
• in areas where a Police & Crime Commissioner has not become responsible for fire and rescue services, enabling them to have representation on their local fire and rescue authority; and
• abolishing the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority and giving the Mayor of London direct responsibility for the fire and rescue service in London, as will be the case in Greater Manchester.

PCC's Response

The PCC's response to the consultation can be viewed here.