Blue Light Collaboration

A major collaboration programme aimed at protecting front line emergency services has been given the thumbs up by Cheshire's fire and police chiefs.

The ambitious plans involve bringing together most of the back office and professional services which support Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and Cheshire Constabulary and establishing a single, shared headquarters site by April 2018.

It is estimated that the programme will produce combined annual savings of nearly £1.5 million and help to minimise the impacts of the significant financial challenges on frontline services.

The approval in principle was made on Wednesday 9th December at separate meetings held by Cheshire Fire Authority and the Police & Crime Commissioner. Both sides have stressed, however, that there will be no merger of frontline services, with each organisation keeping their separate brand, identity and management arrangements.

Clemonds Hey

The new joint headquarters at Clemonds Hey will be jointly developed to ensure that the look and feel reflects the cultures of combined teams and encourages closer working between individuals and organisations.

The total costs of the collaboration and setting up the joint headquarters at Clemonds Hey are estimated at £6.6m, however, nearly half of the cost could be met if a bid for Government funding proves successful. Annual savings are expected to be at least £1.465m.

While the North West Ambulance Service has been involved in the blue light discussions, its regional structure means talks are focussing on areas such as shared premises rather than joint support teams.

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