Devon and Somerset Fire Authority bosses go in allowance row

The chairman of Devon and Somerset Fire Authority and his deputy are to lose their positions after a row about a 25% rise in allowances.

Mark Healey and deputy Andy Boyd were criticised by the leaders of Devon and Somerset county councils for approving the rise.

Mr Boyd said he had done nothing wrong. Mr Healey was unavailable for comment.

The Fire Brigades Union said it was concerned with the loss at a time when the service was making big budget cuts.

Members approved the increase in February and, as chairman, Mr Healey cast the deciding vote.

'Accept spending cuts'

Mr Boyd said he was disappointed and felt he had made the best decision for the authority and the people of Devon and Somerset.

John Hart, leader of Devon County Council, and Ken Maddock, leader of Somerset County Council, have told the men they should not have approved the rise in allowances.

In a statement, Mr Hart said: "I don't think it's right for any public body to raise its allowances when we're asking people across Devon to accept spending cuts."

A new chairman and deputy are expected to be elected at the authority's next annual general meeting in May.