Hertfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner has withdrawn an application to take over the governance of Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) in a move welcomed by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU).
David Lloyd’s decision falls hot on the heels of a public meeting held in Hatfield last month where Hertfordshire residents heard about his plans to cut and shut both fire and police stations.
Brian Hooper, executive council member for the FBU in Eastern England, said: “Mr Lloyd’s business case was flawed from the start and we very much welcome its withdrawal.
“The costs associated with the ‘plan’ presented to the Home Office, written by KPMG and paid for by Hertfordshire residents, must be astronomical. If I was a council tax payer in Hertfordshire I would be outraged at the waste of money that has been spent on this failed power grab”.
“Not only has this vanity project cost more than £100,000, it has severely delayed HFRSs production of its Integrated Risk Management Plan. This is the document that sets out how the service will keep the communities of Hertfordshire safe through its prevention, protection and response activities over the coming years.”
“Hertfordshire FBU now calls on the county council and central government to make a significant investment in the fire and rescue service. Our members and, most importantly, the people of Hertfordshire deserve nothing less”.
