LGA comments on Government's response to consultation on emergency services collaboration

Following today's response by government to the consultation on emergency services collaboration and the proposed legislation that could transfer governance of fire authorities to Police and Crime Commissioners, Cllr Jeremy Hilton, Chair of the Local Government Association's Fire Services Management Committee, which represents all 46 fire authorities in England, said: "Local councillors who sit on English fire and rescue authorities do a tremendous job. The LGA believes there is no pressing need to change this status. The fire and rescue service is one of the best public services that we have, and we should cherish it. "Everyone is aware of the excellent job that firefighters are doing, as seen in Cumbria, Lancashire, Northumberland and Yorkshire, by working so effectively alongside the other emergency and public services during the recent floods. With more rain and flooding expected this week, firefighters are ready to work closely with the other emergency services again.