Kenny MacAskill outlines case for single police and fire services in Scotland

Published on Wednesday 12 January 2011 17:14

POLICE and fire services in Scotland could be reformed as single national forces under proposals announced today by Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill.

• Kenny MacAskill said there is a need to reduce bureaucracy and duplication

Mr MacAskill said the case for a national fire and rescue service is "compelling" - while a "strong case" has been made for a single police force.

In a statement to MSPs, the SNP minister announced that the proposals will be open to public consultation early next month.

Three options will be set out, covering the existing eight forces for each service, a regional structure with fewer boards and a single service.

Mr MacAskill said: "The status quo is no longer tenable in both fire and police.

"The Government believes there is a compelling case for a single fire service but we will strive to reach a consensus.

"On police, a strong case has been made for a single service but concerns need to be allayed regarding accountability.

"There is an argument for a regional model but significant challenges have to be overcome regarding efficiency."

Mr MacAskill said the current set-up dates to the 1970s but must cope with modern challenges.

And while he said it was "not simply about financial challenges", he said savings must go further.

On fire and rescue, he said that collaboration has "not delivered the scale of efficiencies required".

He added: "In our view, a single fire and rescue service, with a national framework and standards, will be best at reducing unnecessary duplication and cost and making sure maximum funding is channelled to the front line.

"One service provides the opportunity for greater accountability locally and improved service in our communities."

He said there is a need to reduce bureaucracy and "provide more autonomy" to the front-line.

But he acknowledged criticism of such a move, adding: "All our communities, irrespective of their postcode, would have access to the full range of Scotland's fire and rescue capability."

On policing, Mr MacAskill said the eight-force structure "will not provide the savings necessary" to meet modern challenges.

He added: "In a single force model, the savings can be significant and that is necessary in these financial times.

"It can also provide a better service locally, devolving more decision-making control to local commanders who know and account to their local communities.

"However, there are understandable concerns about accountability and centralisation. These have to be answered."

Mr MacAskill said the case has not been made for a single "blue light service", which would incorporate police, fire and ambulance.

But he added: "This consultation provides an opportunity for those otherwise minded to try and persuade us."

Labour MSP Richard Baker reminded Mr MacAskill that Scottish Labour voiced its support for a single police force in October, and said there was "an urgent need" for the Scottish Government to provide clarity on its preferred option immediately rather than putting it out to consultation.

Mr MacAskill said: "I would have thought Mr Baker would have welcomed a consultation so we can reach a consensus, hopefully as a parliament but perhaps even within the Labour party.

"Eric Milligan, the Labour councillor, has denounced one force. I've received letters from Tom Docherty, the Labour MP, denouncing the abolition of Fife Police, so perhaps a consultation would allow Labour to achieve a consensus amongst themselves before we seek a consensus in the country."

Mr MacAskill said the consultation would run for three months, taking it beyond the term of the present Scottish Parliament, but refused to be drawn on any SNP manifesto pledges on the matter.