Avon Fire and Rescue could merge with its neighbour Devon and Somerset
AVON Fire and Rescue and their counterparts in Devon and Somerset are looking at joining forces – including the possibility of a merger.
Talks have begun to see how they can work together in the future, as all emergency services have been forced to deal with Government funding cuts.
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The talks, which are only in their infancy, will explore all ways of working, from potentially sharing support functions to the possibility of a full merger.
Cllr Terry Walker, the chairman of Avon Fire Authority, said: "During these challenging times we cannot rule out new ways of working to help meet our reduced budgets, whilst aiming to maintain the much-valued service we provide to the public.
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"Our initial talks with Devon and Somerset will look into how we work together."
As previously reported, with central Government grant cuts taken into account, Avon Fire Authority's budget for 2013/14 will be £45.922m, which is £1.831m, or 3.8 per cent, less than in 2012/13.
Cllr Mark Healey, chairman of Devon and Somerset's Fire and Rescue Authority, was keen to stress that any plans considered would need to have tangible benefits for local people.
"Working with Avon Fire and Rescue Service could provide real opportunities for improving public safety. We recognise that the fire and rescue service has to change and, like others, face an uncertain financial future. The Government direction is clear and our times of austerity are not behind us.
"Working with another fire and rescue service may help reduce our costs, whilst continuing our aim to improve or maintain public safety."
Chief Fire Officer Kevin Pearson (Avon) and Chief Fire Officer Lee Howell (D&S) are leading the discussions.
The current talks have been described as "preliminary" and no decisions have yet been made to the extent of any collaboration.
6 Comments
by Pleb-Watch
Tuesday, February 26 2013, 11:43AM
“Would that be the control room built on a floodplain, with computer equipment which doesn't, and is very unlikely to ever work, despite the luddites in the fire service telling the Govt that, and is costing X-amount of pounds per day and to which no-one has ever been held to account, and the current Govt has scrapped? Still, Tom, don't let the fact that you don't actually have a clue what your'e talking about stop you putting finger to keyboard...........
'greatdallas'. (the 'Great' chosen without a hint of irony I'd wager), explain your comment?”
by collegefields
Wednesday, February 20 2013, 9:50PM
“Bristol_Tom,
Couldn't agree more !”
by collegefields
Wednesday, February 20 2013, 9:48PM
“Number of posts exceeded
You have exceeded the number of content posts allowed in a specified timeframe. Please try again later.
ok”
by greatdallas
Wednesday, February 20 2013, 11:33AM
“How about cutting down on the gym equpiment ??”
by Bristol_Tom
Tuesday, February 19 2013, 4:29PM
“Perhaps they could consider activating the empty & unused Fire Control Centre in Taunton, built at great cost to the taxpayer but rejected by the Luddites of the Fire Service.
Taunton would be at about the mid point of a joined-up service.
Or is this too sensible?”
by Bristol_Tom
Tuesday, February 19 2013, 4:22PM
“Perhaps they could use the joint control room lying empty and unused in Taunton that the Luddites of the Fire Service boycotted.”