Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) will continue to source its utilities from Liverpool Council for at least another two years following the energy contract debacle.
A partnership between MFRS and the local authority will extend towards 40 years as the fire service is expected to confirm next month that it will approve the procurement of electricity and gas through Liverpool Council until 2025 despite an expensive contract mess-up at the Cunard Building earlier this year. A series of mistakes and miscommunications led to the council being placed onto a higher tariff that will add millions to its own bill and those of city schools and the fire service, who are involved in the same deal.
In May, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority, which oversees the service, agreed a move that is expected to cost an additional £1m, to stick with Liverpool Council for its provisions for this year at least. A report drafted ahead of the fire authority’s Community Safety and Protection Committee said it would enter into contracts for the supply of electricity and gas via the Crown Commercial Services (CCS) framework through the local authority.
