The Scottish Parliament has been asked to support a bid to have the permanent HQ of the new Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in Perth. An addendum to a parliamentary motion has been lodged by Murdo Fraser MSP to this effect and has been circulated to MSPs for support.
The Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP has been a constant campaigner for the basing of permanent headquarters in Perth and has previously quizzed Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs Roseanna Cunningham on the issue.
Murdo Fraser MSP said:
““With its central location, good transport links and its affordable accommodation, Perth is the ideal place to host the national Fire and Rescue Service headquarters.
“As far as efficiency and service continuity are concerned, it makes perfect sense to establish the permanent base in the same location as the temporary base.
“I hope that MSPs will show their support for this sensible move by signing up to my addendum. Let’s hope a decision is made promptly and Perth can begin to plan for its role with Scotland’s Fire and Rescue Service.
“It was important to put on record Perth’s attributes when considering a location for the permanent headquarters.”
Motion from Joe Fitzpatrick MSP:
That the Parliament welcomes the appointment of the Dundee-based acting chief fire officer of Tayside, Alisdair Hay, as the first chief officer of the single Scottish Fire and Rescue Service; believes that the new service will reduce duplication of support services and sustain frontline services and strengthen what it sees as the connection between services and communities by creating a new formal relationship with each of the 32 local authorities; understands that the establishment of single police and fire services will deliver estimated efficiency savings of £1.7 billion over 15 years; welcomes the assertion by Mr Hay that the service will be efficient, effective and focused on the needs of the people who depend on the vital services that Scotland's dedicated fire officers and support staff deliver, and wishes Mr Hay the very best of success in his new post.
Amendment in the name of Murdo Fraser MSP insert at end of motion,
“and supports the establishment of a permanent headquarters of the new Scottish fire and rescue service based in Perth due what it considers are its fantastic transport links, affordable accommodation, efficiency and service benefits and central location.”