PLANS for a combined fire authority for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have moved closer.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority (HFRA) has approved an outline business case to bring together the authorities of Hampshire, Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight.

The chief officer of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight was also asked to prepare a more detailed business case, including plans for a public consultation on the proposals, to be presented in June.

Councillors on the Isle of Wight have also approved the proposals in a heated debate, 23 votes to eight, though concerns were raised about the merger.

Councillor Chris Carter, chairman of the HFRA, said: “This new arrangement would offer significant operational benefits, create greater resilience for both services and help keep our communities even safer.

“The strategic partnership agreed between Hampshire and the Isle of Wight in 2015 has already brought many benefits to both services, as well as delivering better value for taxpayers.”

Advantages to a new combined authority include aligning safety campaigns and increasing operational capacity.

The new combined authority would be made up of members from all relevant councils, who would make decisions on fire-related matters.

The 2018/19 budget for the island’s fire and rescue service is £7 million, compared to Hampshire Fire and Rescue’s budget of just under £65 million.