A bid for Cumbria’s crime commissioner to take over the fire service has been published.
Peter McCall has produced a business case to move Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service under his control, which he will present to the Government.
The service is currently run by Cumbria County Council, which will cease to exist in 2023. It, and district authorities, will be replaced by Cumberland Council, comprising the areas of Allerdale, Carlisle and Copeland – and Westmorland and Furness Council, covering the areas of South Lakeland, Barrow and Eden.
Mr McCall said: “I have always believed that strong, collaborative working amongst the blue light services provides a better service to the public.
“I have developed a business case, using an independent consultancy company, BearingPoint, to review which option of governance transfer provides the best outcome for the residents and services of Cumbria.
“The business case has highlighted that a police, fire and crime commissioner is the most cost effective option with a more streamlined decision-making process and will strengthen our collaborative working with fire.
“I believe that having joint governance over both organisations can help develop even stronger collaboration.
“I want to assure the public that, if this business case is successful and approved by the Home Secretary, that all operational responsibilities remain with the chief fire officer and that the two organisations will remain separate as will their budgets.
“The governance responsibility is the only area of business that will be transferred to my office.
“This business case is all about setting the scene and, out of the options available, identifying which provides the best outcome for the services and public – there are still many months of work ahead of us.”
Mr McCall is asking people to read the business case and share their views.
To read the business case, visit https://cumbria-pcc.gov.uk/firegovernance/ and to share your views, go to www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/firegovernanceconsultation
