Another blow to crime commissioner's Shropshire fire service takeover plan

John Campion wants to become the single joint commissioner for West Mercia Police, Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service and Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service.

He says his plans would save £4 million across the services.

The proposals have been reviewed by the council’s customer, community and partnership scrutiny committee at the request of council leader Shaun Davies.

The committee came to the conclusion the ability to deliver the savings seemed “uncertain” and voted to submit an official objection to the proposal.

A report to cabinet chiefs, who met at Addenbrooke House on Thursday evening, stated there were concerns over the potential for job losses. It states: “Although the police and crime commissioner (PCC) has stated the savings are not a target, on balance there does not seem to be sufficient evidence to demonstrate they could be made as described.

“The committee is, therefore, concerned if the proposed savings cannot be made as stated, they would be delivered either through other means, which may adversely impact service delivery i.e as a result of redundancies or loss of buildings or appliances, or result in an increase to the precept.”

At the meeting, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet voted to object to the proposals.

Councillor Davies said local accountability could also be an issue with the plans.

He added: “The issue around the finances is a really important one.

“When you start looking at the detail of them they simply don’t stack up. I hope the government listens to local councils in this and decides to throw this out.” Councillor Andrew Eade, Conservative group leader, added: “I think there’s a huge question mark over the capacity of one person to take over both organisations.”

When the plans were released earlier this year, both councillor Davies and Shropshire Council’s leader Peter Nutting said they had concerns about the plans put forward by Mr Campion, who wants to see West Mercia Police and Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service controlled by a joint commissioner.

Members of Shropshire Council’s communities overview committee have also recommended that the authority object to the 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 councils being two of the key large consultees on the proposal.

The government will have the final say on whether to approve the idea.

Eric Carter, chairman of Shropshire Fire Authority, says the service had already drawn up plans to save £2 million.

The authority commissioned its own independent report into the plans.

Worcester city councillors have also unanimously rejected the proposals.