Oversight of the Fire Service. Too much power for PCC's?

Once again on the radio this morning it was suggested that Police and Crime Commissioners are to take over responsibility for the Fire Service nationally.

At present the situation is a bit of a muddle, with some Fire Authorities remaining the County Councils (as in Suffolk) and others being standalone entities run by a committee.  Simplification and standardisation of Fire Service governance would certainly be welcome, but I have grave misgivings about entrusting yet more power to Police and Crime Commissioners.

In Suffolk we are very lucky to have a first rate PCC in Tim Passmore.  However, notwithstanding the virtues of the individual, and however strong his or her political mandate,  I think that it is a mistake to vest so much power in one person.  The same applies to the concept of elected mayors, particularly if they are to reign over the vast regional tracts envisaged by Devolution.

My sense is that it is almost impossible for an individual to create on their own a vision and strategy for a complex area of government, wisely and fairly dealing with the commissioning of services and distribution of funding.  Inevitably they will be at the mercy, not just of their own officers (who have the knowledge and experience), but also buffetted by the whims of Central Government .

Cross party organisations such as the old Police Authorities, and indeed County Councils are, it seems to me, much better placed to exercise control and governance over public service delivery than one high profile individual.   When directly or indirectly elected, such bodies tick the democratic box, and the cross section of people involved are more likely to have the confidence and joint experience to make the right decisions and do the job.