Shropshire Star

Shropshire fire authority mounts legal challenge against takeover by police commissioner

A decision to allow West Mercia's Police and Crime Commissioner to takeover Shropshire's fire service could face a legal challenge.

Published
West Mercia's Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion

Shropshire and Wrekin Fire and Rescue Authority has voted to seek leave for a judicial review of the decision, which was taken in March by former Home Secretary Amber Rudd.

It says the proposal put forward by police and crime commissioner John 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.

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 had argued that if he took over the role of the fire authority, it would improve efficiency and cut costs.

The fire authority’s vice-chairman, Councillor Keith Roberts, said: “The authority strongly believes that people were misled by the PCC’s consultation questionnaire because it claimed switching control of the fire service to the PCC would result in savings of £4 million and that this claim influenced the way people voted.

“We very much regret having to take this action but we have been left with no choice."

Mr Campion said that putting him in charge of governance of the fire service would deliver the “best results” for the people of Shropshire.

He said it was now a dispute between the Home Office and the fire and rescue authority.

Mr Campion added: “The central argument, that single governance in West Mercia can deliver more effective and efficient services for our communities, has been consistently supported via public consultation, independent assessment, and by government.

“I am disappointed the fire authority is choosing this course of action.

"It will delay benefits being delivered for our local communities and emergency services alike, and result in further significant and unnecessary use of taxpayers' money."

Both Telford & Wrekin and Shropshire councils voted to oppose the plans, which are set to be pushed through later this year.

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.