The Police and Crime Commissioner David Munro has today announced he is setting up a project to explore options for the future governance of the Fire and Rescue Service in Surrey.
The Government is currently bringing in a new Policing and Crime Bill which makes provision for PCCs to take on the role of governance for Fire and Rescue Authorities where there is a business case to do so.
The Bill, which places a duty on emergency services to better collaborate, is expected to be given Royal Assent in the near future after which the PCC will form a working group to consider what is in the best interests for the public in Surrey.
The project will look at how Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, which is currently part of Surrey County Council, and Surrey Police can become more closely interlinked and whether a change of governance would benefit residents.
The Policing and Crime Bill legislation sets out the options for PCCs to consider – click here for more information: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/537259/Factsheet_1b_-_ESC_overview.pdf
The working group will involve key stakeholders from all relevant agencies and any proposals will be subject to a thorough consultation process before a business case is sent to the Home Office for determination.
Police and Crime Commissioner David Munro said “Surrey Police and Surrey Fire and Rescue do a great job protecting the residents of this county and already have a history of working closely together.
“We have some very successful projects where the Fire Service in Surrey have taken on more responsibilities when responding to accidents and helping police in gaining access to buildings in an emergency. We have also made savings by procuring services together such as managing our vehicles.
“We need to work jointly with the Fire and Rescue service and Surrey County Council to consider whether a change in governance can bring about further improvements in public safety and improve our effectiveness and efficiency for the tax-payer.
“At this stage all options remain open and any future proposals will be fully consulted on by a wide range of organisations, the residents of Surrey and of course serving personnel and their representatives themselves.
“This will take time but it is vital this important project is given the proper consideration it needs.
“We know people want to see their emergency services working closer together and the overarching aim has to be providing the most effective police and fire and rescue services possible to keep the public of Surrey safe.”