Following the Conservative government's response to the consultation on emergency services collaboration and the proposed legislation that could transfer governance of fire authorities to Police and Crime Commissioners, Cllr Jeremy Hilton, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson on the Fire Service and Chair of the Local Government Association's Fire Services Management Committee, which represents all 46 fire authorities in England, said:
"Local councillors who sit on English fire and rescue authorities do a tremendous job. The LGA believes there is no pressing need to change this status. The fire and rescue service is one of the best public services that we have, and we should cherish it.
"Firefighters are ready to work closely with the other emergency services - as they always have. The Government should not impose change for change's sake."
