FIRE: How should fire position itself regarding Police and Crime Commissioners and devolution? [FIRE spoke to Paul prior to the release of the consultation] PH: The main issue for local government and public services in particular is the discussion around devolution deals. It is very clear that the government wants devolution deals for cities and an elected mayor. It's therefore about how fire positions itself locally within those devolution deals and promotes the significant contribution that fire can make on the wider public safety agenda. With devolution, the focus for local authorities is clearly on economic growth, skills, housing employment, transport and transport infrastructure. The big ticket items are the ones they are going to focus on. If you look at the overall budget for fire it's about £1.8-1.9 billion of the total £732 billion public sector spend. Fire, therefore, really is at the bottom of the pile. Accordingly, we need to ensure that our contribution and trusted reputation is brought to the fore and that other organisations sitting at the table in devolution deals really understand the impact that we can make in reducing demand and on the wider public safety and health arena.
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