EMERGENCY services in North Yorkshire could soon be working even more closely together, due to Government changes.

The Home Office announced yesterday (TUES), following consultation last year, that the Government will pass legislation to "introduce a high level duty to collaborate on all three emergency services, to improve efficiency or effectiveness", and allow Police and Crime Commissioners to "create a single employer for police and fire personnel".

More than 300 organisations sent their thoughts on the consultation, including North Yorkshire County Council, North Yorkshire Fire Authority, the North Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, and Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

Steve Howley, secretary of the North Yorkshire Fire Brigades Union, said: "Any collaboration or merger has to be scrutinised at a nuts and bolts level to see whether it will actually deliver savings but we have to maintain frontline services and our individual identities.

"In my opinion it degrades the professionalism and reputation of frontline police officers and firefighters to suggest you can pick up the role of a firefighter during an emergency.

"It doesn't give us confidence that the current PCC can provide a merger without it needlessly costing money at the expense of frontline policing and fire services. We've seen this before with the failed headquarters saga and mergers with other police forces."

Earlier this month, the Home Office announced it would take responsibility of the fire service from the Department for Communities and Local Government, with Mike Penning named Minister for Policing, Fire, Criminal Justice and Victims.

Steve White, chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said the move, which only applies to forces in England, goes further than is necessary.

He said: "Officers from both emergency services already do pull together, working alongside week in, week out, as has been evidenced most recently by the appalling floods. So why the burning need to change the law? It's like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut."

Mr Penning said the changes would "strengthen the emergency services, deliver significant savings and produce benefits for the public".

He said: "Strong leadership will be required to drive greater efficiencies and improved outcomes. Directly elected Police and Crime Commissioners are clearly accountable to the public and have a strong incentive to pursue ambitious reform and deliver value for money."