Proposed changes to governance for police and fire services present risks but also an opportunity for greater economies of scale, says CIPFA police adviser Alison Dewhirst.
The planned takeover of two fire authorities by West Mercia’s Police and Crime Commissioner would risk cuts to the service, the Fire Brigades Union has warned.
The government has been urged to rethink the deregulation of health and safety legislation in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire, which is believed to have killed at least 79 people.
There are signs that some fire authorities are beginning to face financial stress, with some warning their ability to respond to major incidents might be limited by further funding cuts, according to...
