Part of 1. Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Local Government and Public Services – in the Senedd at 2:20 pm on 28 February 2018.
I'm glad to hear, Presiding Officer, the Member for Swansea East arguing for changes to the structure and organisation of local government bodies in Wales. I'm delighted that he's joined us in that consensus. Can I say to him that it isn't my intention at present to make any statements on this matter except to say that I have written to the chairs of all three fire and rescue authorities in Wales outlining what I believe the case for change happens to be? I'm very happy, Presiding Officer, to put that letter in the library for all Members to see that letter, to see that correspondence, and I've asked the chairs of the fire and rescue authorities to come to me with a response to that when they're able to do so. It is my intention, Presiding Officer, in all these matters, to move ahead with a maximum amount of consensus. So, at present, it's not my intention to make specific proposals for the reform of fire and rescue authorities—simply to say that I believe that reform is necessary and that the status quo is not sustainable.