However, he went on to write that he wanted to put on record the level of failings found so they could be shared with the fire board and key stakeholders.

BBC: Grampian fire chief concerns for Highlands fire service

It is one of two options going before the two fire authorities - the other being more collaboration as happens with the existing shared control room.

BBC: Suffolk fire crews in Ipswich town centre

Miss Willis and her five children left the home in Derby they shared with Mr and Mrs Philpott and their children three months before the fire on 11 May.

BBC: Derby fire deaths: 'Possible' that Mick Philpott set fire

Earlier in the trial, the court heard the three had tried to frame Mr Philpott's former mistress Lisa Willis, 29, for the fire, in a row over custody of five children she shared with Mr Philpott.

BBC: Derby death blaze accused conversations played in court

"A lot of fire and rescue authorities are actually making the savings not by cutting fire and rescue posts, not by closing fire stations, but by shared operations, better joint working, and interestingly, amended shift practices, " he said.

BBC: Communities questions

According to Audit Scotland, 40% of the pay-off fund was shared by just 1, 200 high earners in the sector, including government, NHS, police and fire.

BBC: Call for 'value for money' Scottish public sector pay-offs

It drew fire from those, like the Rowntree Trust, who reckoned it replaced a commitment to a shared future with a mutual accommodation between two sides happy to keep their distance.

BBC: Flags, parades and politics - is there a solution?

As they shared cigarettes and talked easily with each other, the Cambodian commander showed us bullet holes and scars from artillery fire in the temple stones.

BBC: Piecing together puzzles in Cambodia