Fire authority brings legal challenge to transfer of responsibility to PCC

A fire and rescue authority is to bring a judicial review challenge against the Home Office over proposals to transfer responsibility for the service to the local police and crime commissioner.

At a meeting last week (23 May) the Shropshire Fire & Rescue Authority considered the possibility of legal action over the transfer to West Mercia Police & Crime Commissioner John Campion, “in light of the Government Legal Service response and legal advice received”.

In March this year the then Home Secretary, Amber Rudd, backed Mr Campion’s plans for the governance changes. She said she was satisfied that Campion’s proposal, along with others from two more PCCs, “demonstrated that a transfer of governance would be in the interests of the local economy, efficiency and effectiveness, without having an adverse effect upon public safety”.

An independent assessment carried out by CIPFA of the West Mercia changes can be viewed here.

Commenting on the judicial review, Campion said: “This is now a dispute between the Home Office and the fire and rescue authority.

“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 taxpayer’s money.”