Friday 29 June 2007
14.00hrs
Members of Avon Fire Authority (AFA) have today reaffirmed their stance to boycott plans for a Regional Fire Control Centre.
During today’s meeting of AFA, Councillors were presented with the latest version of the business case, which now projects the savings of moving to regional control at 10%. This is significantly less than the 30% quoted in earlier drafts.
In a letter from the former Fire Minister Angela E Smith MP, Members had been asked to reconsider their position in light of the information contained in the latest business case. But for Members, the new draft is a cause for concern.
Councillor Terry Walker, Chair of Avon Fire Authority, said: “After fully considering the latest version of the business case, the authority remains unconvinced that this move represents best value.
“We are extremely concerned at the significant reduction in the potential savings and, as the project progresses, believe we may see no savings at all from the merger - and possibly face increased costs.”
Kevin Pearson, Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive of Avon Fire & Rescue Service, added: “Today, Members have reaffirmed their position to refuse to participate in the establishment of a Local Authority Controlled Company, which will own and govern the new centre.
“They will, however, review this position once the final full business case has been published, which is expected in early 2008.”