Council deals blow to commissioner's fire service plan
Shropshire Council will deal a significant blow to West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion's bid to take over the governance of the county's fire service, after councillors voted to reject his plans.
Members of the council's communities overview committee decided to reject Mr Campion's proposal to become a joint governor of Shropshire, Hereford and Worcester fire services and the police force.
Their recommendation will now go to council leader Peter Nutting to officially sign off.
The news represents a blow to Mr Campion's efforts, with the council being one of the key large consultees on the proposal. The government will have the final say on whether to approve the proposal.
Five of the committee members voted to reject the plans, with two abstaining.
They had earlier heard Mr Campion suggest that his plan would save £4 million between Shropshire Fire Service, Hereford and Worcestershire Fire Service, and West Mercia Police.
He admitted that the proposals included a suggestion that 154 staff could be made redundant but could not confirm in what positions, although he insisted they would not be "front line" firefighters.
The commissioner said the detail would be provided in a more detailed business case next year, if the government approves his plan.
During the meeting, Eric Carter, chairman of Shropshire Fire Authority, said that the service had already drawn up plans to save £2 million.
Committee member Ted Clarke said he believed the proposal to combine fire and police governance was a Government move to bolster the position of police and crime commissioners.
He said: "I am concerned that nationally this is an effort to breathe some life into a flat initiative.
"It is all to do with trying to rebuild the police and crime commissioner initiative which was all based on the American principle of an elected Sheriff."
Councillor Nick Hignett, a committee member, said he was concerned about where the job cuts may come.
He said: "154 staff - where he loses those I am not sure."
Committee member Councillor Vivienne Parry said that she had canvassed the public on the issue and that the majority did not want to see a change.
She said: "The feeling from the public is our fire service are absolutely brilliant and they want them to stay that way."
The committee will recommend to Councillor Nutting that the council objects to the proposal, but seeks to have closer links between Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service and the neighbouring Hereford and Worcestershire service.
