Councillors agree first step to Pathfinder project

Councillors in East Lothian have volunteered the county to take part in a new Scottish Government proposal to reform Police and Fire Board structures.

Under the Police and Fire & Rescue Reform, the Scottish Government has proposed single Scotland-wide Fire & Rescue and Police forces. Part of the consultation also considers the current system of separate Police and Fire Boards. Boards bring together either the Local Commander (police), Senior Officer (Fire and Rescue), force representatives and councillors, and work to ensure effective, strategic and adequately-resourced services are delivered that tackle local priorities. Councils are being asked to note interest in taking part in a new Local Scrutiny and Engagement Pathfinder project that would agree a joint mechanism for delivering local Police and Fire Boards ahead of any changes to the national force structures.

At the full Council meeting on 24 January, councillors agreed to approach the Scottish Government and express interest in becoming a Pathfinder. While there is no timescale for a Pathfinder project to begin, proposals for a national Police and Fire and Rescue force, if approved could be implemented in 2013 which would also mean changes to the existing Board arrangements. This would mean that early adopters of the new Pathfinder system would have had more time to plan and prepare.

Council Leader Paul McLennan said:

“We are working with partners across the county to look at ways that services can be shared to make better use of resources and serve our communities in new and better ways. Major reforms to the Police and Fire services are anticipated and by getting involved at the earliest opportunity, we can ensure East Lothian’s experience will inform the national agenda. The Pathfinder will build on already strong working arrangements and ensure that all partners can achieve the community safety priorities outlined in the Single Outcome Agreement.”

  Council Leader Paul McLennan and Chief Executive Angela Leitch have already met representatives from Police and Fire and Rescue Services who have agreed to participate. The exact structure of the new arrangement will be determined if East Lothian’s application to become a Pathfinder is approved.