Speaking on the announcement that Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Authority are to move forward looking at collaboration and integration between emergency services in Staffordshire, Amanda Milling, Member of Parliament for Cannock Chase, said:

“I welcome news that a panel is being established to explore the feasibility of greater collaboration and integration between the Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and Staffordshire Police. This is something I have been calling for during my time as an MP and I have spoken on this issues many times in Parliament, including organising a Westminster Hall debate on the subject. I think that closer joint working and sharing of back office functions will benefit taxpayers in Staffordshire through reduced duplication and create greater efficiencies and better outcomes for the public. I look forward to the panel reporting back in due course."

A link to the announcement from Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Ellis, can be found here - http://www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/2015/12/work-to-explore-closer-co-operation-amongst-services-welcomed-by-pcc/