OPPOSING sides of Blackburn’s political divide have come together to oppose changes to the governance of fire services in Lancashire.

Labour group deputy leader Cllr Phil Riley has proposed a motion to go before council forum next week, asking chief executive Harry Catherall to write to Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw opposing proposals to transfer responsibility for governance of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service from the fire authority to the PCC.

The first of the two potential new governance models would see Mr Grunshaw become police, fire and crime commissioner for Lancashire and have responsibility for governance of the service.

The second would involve the appointment of a single employer model where a chief officer would be appointed as head of fire and police in Lancashire.

Under this model, there would continue to be separate funding streams for police and fire.

Responsibility for scrutiny would fall to the PFCC, though driving collaboration between the services would be the remit of the chief officer.

Cllr Riley’s motion has been seconded by Tory group leader Cllr John Slater.

Cllr Riley said: “Lancashire Combined Fire and Rescue Authority remains committed to delivering the best possible service to Lancashire’s communities, with the resources it has available.

“This council notes that the fire and rescue authority continues to work productively and effectively with a range of stakeholders and that the fire and rescue authority also acknowledges the new statutory duty to collaborate with other emergency services, while recognising many initiatives were already in place or in development irrespective of this mandate.

“Blackburn with Darwen Council remains confident that current governance arrangements present the best way to deliver a fire and rescue service for Lancashire’s communities, and notes that the fire and rescue authority will provide the information required for the work proposed by the police and crime commissioner, which it believes will evidence that collaborative opportunities are already being effectively progressed within existing structures.“This council is opposed to any proposals that transfer any current responsibilities of the fire and rescue authority in Lancashire to the police and crime commissioner," Cllr Riley continued. Blackburn with Darwen Council therefore asks the chief executive to write to the police and crime commissioner and the home secretary explaining this view, sending copies to members of parliament.”

Business plans for each proposal are currently being developed, with a public consultation due to be launched in August.

The decision would then rest with the Home Office before approval by parliament.

If there are to be changes, it is expected they would be implemented by July next year.

Essex was the first service to come under control of the PCC and six further authorities are under consideration.

PCC moves towards fire in Staffordshire, West Mercia and Cambridgeshire have been resisted by fire authorities but business cases were approved by government.