PLANS for Police and Crime Commissioner Julia Mulligan to take over the governance of North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service have been criticised for a lack of transparency.

Cllr Danny Myers, said he is keen to know how much money the PCC is spending on private consultants producing reports on how to structure the organisation. He added that the service faces challenges and said: “If Ms Mulligan’s record in control of the police is anything to go by, we can expect broken promises and more cutbacks."

Lib Dem Cllr Keith Aspden said he is "concerned" by the takeover and a lack of scrutiny. He added: "The Liberal Democrats nationally and locally fundamentally believe that the office of PCC should be abolished in order to give local people greater influence over the services that matter to them.

“As it stands, no detailed assessments have been undertaken by the PCC’s office as to the impact of the takeover, and most importantly, no detailed information has been provided on the contingencies should all not go to plan."

PCC Julia Mulligan said: “Until governance is transferred on 15 November, the Fire Authority are still responsible for the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. Once transfer takes place, I look forward to beginning to outline my vision for the future – this will include an independent report on the current state of the fire service, priorities for the future and ways in which we can support our hard-working firefighters and staff, and help them keep residents and businesses safe.”