Services
News release
Review of fire services
The council have been asked to comment on a petition lodged with the Scottish Parliament by West Lothian resident, Annmargaret Watson, on behalf of the Fire Reforms Actions Group.
The petition asks for the Public Petitions Committee of the Scottish to review the present fireboard arrangements and powers.
The issue raised in the petition include;
· To review the legislation in relation to the joint fire and rescue boards to ensure adequate representation of all local authorities.
· To consider how local concerns and issues are taken into account by the boards and
· To consider and review the differences between the legislation on funding police services and fire rescue services.
"The council has unanimously supported past efforts to prevent the Fire and Rescue Board from implementing its Service Improvement Plan and downgrading the service cover in Livingston," said Council Leader Peter Johnston.
"We whole heartedly agree with Mrs Watson's petition to the Scottish Government and we want to see the way in which fire boards operate changed to reflect a fairer system where all local authorities are treated equally.
"At present, individual local authorities have little say in making decisions that affect the fire and rescue service for the people of West Lothian and we are committed to changing that and providing the residents of West Lothian with a service they deserve."
Date: 02-09-2008
