An evaluation of proposals for Police and Crime Commissioners to assume responsibility for the governance of Fire and Rescue Services in England

Earlier this year, the Government published its proposals for greater collaboration between the 3 blue light emergency services (Police, Ambulance and Fire and Rescue Services) and the involvement of Police and Crime... [ view full abstract ]

Earlier this year, the Government published its proposals for greater collaboration between the 3 blue light emergency services (Police, Ambulance and Fire and Rescue Services) and the involvement of Police and Crime Commissioners in the governance of Fire and Rescue Services in England (Home Office, 2016a, 2016b). In her last major speech as Home Secretary before becoming Prime Minister, Theresa May announced the amendments that would be included in the Crime and Policing Bill which was before parliament at the time. It is anticipated that the bill will complete its parliamentary passage when parliament reconvenes later this month, and that the arrangements will be enshrined in legislation before the conference.

These potential changes in governance, to a greater or lesser extent, in all three services as well as greater collaboration in back office support services and prevention and protection services rather than ‘emergency response’ services. The proposals are intended to result in greater public accountability, as well as improvements to economy, efficiency effectiveness and public safety (Home Office, 2015, 2016a, 2016c).

This paper will appraise the policy development and implementation process and report on emerging implications from the process. Any proposed changes to governance arrangements involving the Police and Crime Commissioners will need to be articulated in a local business case and it is anticipated that initial local business cases will be starting to emerge prior to the conference.

Key Words: Governance, Collaboration, Emergency Services, England.

References:
Home Office (2015). Consultation: Enabling closer working between the emergency services. London: Home Office.
Home Office (2016a). Enabling closer working between the emergency services: Summary of consultation responses and next steps. London: Home Office
Home Office (2016b). Police and Crime Bill. London: TSO.
Home Office (2016c). Putting people in charge: the future of Police and Crime Commissioners, Home Secretary’s speech to the Policy Exchange London 4th February 2016, available at https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/putting-people-in-charge-future-of-police-crime-commissioners accessed 8th February 2016.