Plans halted for PCC to control Thames Valley fire and rescue

Talks have been ongoing since the start of the year about combining governance of the fire and rescue service and police force in the region. But police and crime commissioner (PCC) for Thames Valley Anthony Stansfeld has revealed these plans are now on hold following discussions with the three fire and rescue services in the area. 

PCC Standfeld said: “Within the Thames Valley we are in the complex and unique position of having three fire and rescue services and over the last few months I have had regular discussions with fire and rescue authority representatives and local authority stakeholders to consider potential collaboration and governance change options and developing a possible joint way forward.

“Following a meeting last week between myself, the deputy police and crime commissioner and representatives from the fire and rescue authorities we have agreed that we will not be actively pursuing any governance changes in the foreseeable future.

“I recognise that the three Thames Valley fire and rescue services have already achieved a high level of operational collaboration, not only between themselves and other public sector partners but with Thames Valley Police as well. This collaboration can be seen in the many combined Police and fire service joint hubs that have been set up in several towns within the Thames Valley. We will, of course, continue to work closely together and seek to explore and develop more collaboration options between the police and fire services to deliver operational and financial benefits to the public.”