Government praise for Hampshire’s collaborative work

Home Secretary Theresa May praised the collaborative work of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and Hampshire Constabulary in the House of Commons during a debate on 7 March on the Police and Crime Bill.

In a UK first, Hampshire’s police moved into the fire and rescue service headquarters late last year and this partnership work has already been rolled out in several stations with neighbourhood teams working alongside their firefighter counterparts.

Theresa May said, “The benefits that we have seen in areas such as Great Manchester (sic) can be brought to other parts of the country. There are other examples. Hampshire, Northamptonshire and many other places are also looking to put that collaboration into practice.”

Winchester Conservative MP Steve Brine then highlighted the pioneering work of the blue light services. He referenced Hampshire as a ‘genuine trailblazer’ in its collaboration work and said, “I am grateful to the Home Secretary for mentioning Hampshire before I did. I know that she is looking for reform to continue and for collaboration between the emergency services.”

The Home Secretary said, “Hampshire is a very good example of the collaboration that can work. The Minister for Policing, Crime and Criminal Justice has visited Hampshire. These are all innovative ideas that provide a better service to people. I commend Hampshire and other parts of the country where they are putting this collaboration into practice.”

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service Chief Officer Dave Curry said, “We pride ourselves on collaborations with partners, allowing us to provide an exemplary service to the people of Hampshire and give them the best value for money.

“We are delighted this partnership work is being recognised nationally.”