Shropshire fire bosses in £70,000 fund to fight merger
Shropshire's fire authority has set aside £70,000 to fight the decision to allow West Mercia's Police and Crime Commissioner to take it over.
Shropshire and Wrekin Fire and Rescue Authority is seeking a judicial review of the decision, which was taken in March by former Home Secretary Amber Rudd.
A report by its treasurer James Walton shows that £70,000 has now been set aside by the authority for legal costs.
The authority hopes to use the money to block John Campion's takeover plans.
Councillor Eric Carter, chairman of the fire authority, said the first steps to launching the judicial review have now been taken.
He said: "We have submitted our judicial review claim by our barrister. We are waiting to hear what will happen.
"The £70,000 is a maximum figure that has been agreed.
"We do not believe the police and crime commissioner's case stands up. We have the full support of our colleagues at Hereford and Worcester Fire Authority, as well as the backing of the public and councils."
Both Telford & Wrekin and Shropshire councils voted to oppose the plans, which are set to be pushed through later this year.
Councillor Carter said the judicial review would not affect the day-to-day workings of the Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, or any collaboration with police.
Shropshire and Wrekin Fire and Rescue Authority says the proposal put forward by Mr Campion used misleading information, particularly in regard to cost-saving claims.
The fire authority also claims Ms Rudd was wrong to say an independent assessment of Mr Campion's business case had found the proposed takeover would not affect public safety.
Shropshire Star comment:
Leaders say an independent report identified three potential public safety issues and Ms Rudd should have considered three key issues in Mr Campion's original business case separately rather than as a single issue.
Mr Campion has argued that if he takes over the role of the fire authority, it will improve efficiency and cut costs.
He added: "I am committed to ensuring that when Shropshire’s taxpayers contribute money to be spent on policing, as much of that money as possible actually goes on the frontline police services that we all value and need the most.
“The fire authority in Shropshire has made the choice to commit significant public money for these matters.
"Our communities in Shropshire will have their own views as to whether their money is being well spent.”
Shropshire and Wrekin Fire and Rescue Authority also agreed to raise members' allowances by 4.04 per cent over two years, during a meeting on Wednesday.
It comes after the authority received confirmation from the National Joint Council (NJC) that an agreement had been reached between the National Employers and the NJC trade union side over rates of pay for 2018/19.
Currently fire and rescue services are overseen by authorities made up of councillors from across the region.
The government has said it wants to see a more joined-up approach in the way police and fire services work together.
