County council issues safety warning over Norfolk fire service governance plan

Public safety would be put at risk if control of Norfolk’s fire service moves to the office of the police and crime commissioner (PCC), according to county council officials.

The claim has been made in the authority’s proposed formal response, due to be debated by councillors this week, to a public consultation on the idea.

Members of its communities committee are being urged to approve the 33-page document when they meet on Wednesday and also send a copy to the home secretary, Sajid Javid.

Any formal proposal to change the current governance structures, in which the service is overseen by the county council. would have to be approved by him, as happened in neighbouring Cambridgeshire earlier this year, if one is put forward.

However, members are also being encouraged to reaffirm the council’s commitment to closer working with the police and other emergency services.

The publication of the council’s response comes as the consultation exercise, called a Case for Change, enters its final stages.

Residents have until next Wednesday, September 5, to make their comments on a draft business case drawn up in support of fire service governance being moved to the office of the PCC, Lorne Green.

The paper argues that reform could save taxpayers £10 million over 10 years, while Mr Green has repeatedly insisted that he is not seeking a service merger.

But the county council document has described the savings claim as “speculative and misleading” and argues that the suggested benefits of change could be achieved without it.

It continues: “In summary, the County Council’s clear view is that, based on the evidence and information set out in the ‘A Case for Change’ document, there is no case for a change in governance arrangements for the Fire and Rescue service in Norfolk.

“We do not believe that the case published by the PCC would meet the statutory tests of economy, efficiency, and effectiveness.

“We have concerns that the proposal, if implemented, would create a real risk to public safety. Therefore, the County Council cannot support the proposal.”

The paper claims that the costs of change have not been worked out and potential changes to operational practices have not been properly set out or risk assessed.

Mr Green says the plan would enable the two services to work more closely together and the savings envisaged would be achieved even after transition costs are met.

Speaking at a consultation event in Lynn earlier this month, he said the public wanted to see both services protected and he would not close any fire stations if the plan were to proceed.

Residents can participate in the consultation online at www.norfolk-pcc.gov.uk, by phoning 01953 424455, emailing TellLorne@norfolk.pnn.police.uk or writing to PCC Lorne Green, OPCCN, Building 8, Jubilee House, Falconers Chase, Wymondham NR18 0WW.

A decision on whether to present a formal case for changing the current governance arrangements to the government is expected to be made in the early autumn.