The council is in a much better position to control fire and rescue than the cash-strapped and less popular police and crime commissionerAll 123 of Cornwall’s councillors disagree with handing responsibility of the region’s fire and rescue service to the police and crime commissioner (PCC),a design announced by David Cameron last week. In 2013, we passed a unanimous motion to retain governance of the service within Cornwall council, or a decision I will repeat at every opportunity. There are many practical reasons for this,including the recent devolution deal announced by chancellor George Osborne that saw Cornwall achieve the first rural devolution agreement in the country. When we are seeking greater control over our own affairs, it makes no sense to pass our highly valued fire service to a PCC who are struggling to lead a combined Devon and Cornwall Constabulary. PCC Tony Hogg is negotiating a closer working relationship with Dorset police to try to save money and protect an already cash-strapped police force. The force will struggle to preserve an effective service with its fast-reducing budget; it could see staff slice by 30% by 2017.
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Source: theguardian.com