Proposed change would see long-serving Rotherham councillor step down from fire authority

Rotherham Council’s representation on South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority – the political body behind the county’s brigade – is expected to change this year with Coun Alan Atkin stepping away from the role.

The fire authority is made up of councillors from the county’s four district councils, along with Police and Crime Commissioner Dr Alan Billings and each of the councils is responsible for selecting its own representatives, to reflect the political complexion of the area.

Coun Atkin has sat on the body for years but will now move aside under proposals for future representation of Rotherham Council.

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Council leader Chris Read said: "Labour councillors periodically review who is put forward on our behalf to represent the council, fulfilling the legal requirements for political balance between the different political groups.

“This year Councillors Robert Taylor and Alan Buckley will be proposed to represent RMBC on the South Yorkshire Fire Authority.

“Coun Buckley previously represented the council on the Fire Authority before he became mayor, and will resume that role when his mayoral year comes to an end. Coun Alan Atkin's service with the Fire Authority over the last few years has been hugely appreciated and he has now taken on a new role within the Labour Group."

The year ahead is expected to be particularly challenging for the fire authority as members have to wrestle with funding problems which could result in numbers of firefighters staffing appliances being cut, a move fiercely resisted by the Fire Brigades Union.

Consultations on that proposal are currently taking place.