Policing tsar’s plans for fire service rejected

A YORKSHIRE crime commissioner’s hopes of bringing the fire service under her governance were dealt a blow when councillors rejected her proposal.

North Yorkshire County Council’s Executive yesterday came out against Julia Mulligan’s preferred option, saying it would be more appropriate for her to have a seat on the fire authority instead.

Although the final decision on any governance changes remains with the Government, a key factor will be whether Ms Mulligan’s proposals have local support.

Ms Mulligan first made her case for scrapping the fire authority – on which 16 councillors sit – when she began a public consultation last month.

She argued that bringing governance of police and fire services under her control would improve efficiency and collaboration while saving money.

But county council leader Carl Les said a “stepped approach” whereby Ms Mulligan joined the fire authority was preferred.

He said: “It maintains the experience and collective wisdom of the elected councillors who represent communities across North Yorkshire. However, it does not preclude further changes should they prove necessary.”

Ms Mulligan last night said: “I am particularly disappointed that the council decided not to wait until they had the views of the public and the workforce before making their decision.”

She also criticised the fire authority for refusing her request to hold staff roadshows for firefighters as part of the consultation, which ends on September 22.

But Coun Les said the views of district councils and public opinion would be taken into account in the council’s formal response.