Legislation is to be brought forward allowing all Police and Crime Commissioners in England to have representation on fire and rescue authorities (FRAs).

Whilst the authorities have to consent to PCC input, it is expected that commissioners will have an influence on FRA decisions including budgets and staffing of fire services.

The reason for the extension of the existing scheme, currently limited to metropolitan districts and counties, was given by policing and fire service minister Nick Hurd, who said, "By working closer together, police and fire and rescue services can share best practice and innovative thinking to improve the services provided to local people."

He continued, "All locally elected police and crime commissioners can be given a seat at the table of their local fire and rescue authority, meaning every area in England is able to reap the rewards of collaboration."

The Home Office says that a consultation of the affected FRAs showed that nine out of 10 were in favour of the change.

Original source

Home Office