West Mercia’s police and fire services will be governed by a single body in the future, with a view to improving collaboration and services to the public.
The Home Secretary has approved joint governance proposals put forward by John Campion. The Police and Crime Commissioner will also be responsible for governing Hereford and Worcester, and Shropshire Fire and Rescue Services, replacing their respective Fire Authorities.
John Campion said: “This represents a real opportunity to build safer communities, which are served by more effective, efficient emergency services. The improvements I aim to deliver have been clear and consistent throughout this process and I will work tirelessly to make sure ‘potential’ benefits on paper, become realities.”
“Our Fire Authorities have laid good foundations to build from, for which we are all grateful. However, the change to single governance will enable new ways of working that will benefit our communities and our emergency services alike.
“It will ensure our services are sharing their resources, knowledge and expertise where it makes sense to do so. It will deliver a more efficient use of public money, and it will make sure more of that money is directed where it should be – towards the frontline services that we all value so much.”
Minister for Policing and the Fire Service Nick Hurd said: “It's great to see Police and Crime Commissioners identifying opportunities to drive greater collaboration between police and fire – there is a real opportunity to improve the services provided to local people. The proposals will encourage joint working, sharing of best practice and innovative thinking.
“Having a directly accountable leader overseeing both policing and fire will also help maximise available resources and drive transformation across both services. I look forward to seeing the benefits this will bring to the local areas.”
Issued: Monday 26th March 2018
Other Posts
-
Hello world! Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing!
-
PCC opens £150k grant to support healthy relationships in young people
Violence against women and girls is rightly under the spotlight with offences rising across the country. In West Mercia, Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion continues to hear from victims and those impacted about the importance of tackling this behaviour at its root. As part of that journey, the PCC has opened a £150,000 grant […] -
Additional funding welcomed, but victims must remain the priority
As part of the Government’s prisoner early release scheme, £195,000 has been awarded to PCC John Campion to help ensure victim services can provide vital support to those who need it. The PCC has chosen to use the funding to enhance the existing West Mercia Victim Support Gateway through a dedicated Victims' Champion role. […]