Royal approval for Police and Fire Act

SINGLE national police and fire services have been given Royal Assent following the passing of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act at the Scottish Parliament in June.

Existing forces will be merged in a bid to reduce duplication of functions and could save up to £1.7 billion over 15 years, claims the Scottish Government.

The act was opposed at Holyrood by the Scottish Liberal Democrats and Green Party MSPs who fear the centralised services will be unresponsive to local needs and will face increasing political interference.

But community safety and legal affairs minister Roseanna Cunningham insisted: “Reform will safeguard frontline police and fire and rescue in our communities.”