POLICE and fire chiefs are paying consultants nearly £300,000 to draft controversial merger plans.
The bumper payout was blasted by insiders — amid claims the proposals could cost hundreds of jobs.
Consultancy firm PwC has been asked to draw up an “outline business case” for so-called “blue light collaboration” on backroom roles.
The measures could see the emergency services operating joint contact centres and driver training, with their finance, human resources and procurement departments also being brought together.
After staff were briefed on the cost-cutting moves, a source hit out: “The only losers would be the public because these ‘efficiencies’ would have an impact on the level of service we can deliver.
“It’s worrying.
“For the bosses, it’s all about saving money but it could lead to hundreds of jobs being lost.”
Tory shadow justice secretary Russell Findlay said: “Ministers are incapable of implementing reform without spending huge sums on consultants.”
Lib Dem MSP Liam McArthur added: “Having cut blue light services to the bone, the SNP are now going to risk them treading on one another’s toes.”
Procurement documents reveal PwC will get £263,000 over four months to produce the blueprint.
Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service bosses vowed to avoid compulsory job losses.
They said: “PwC has been appointed to explore greater collaboration after a bidding process.
“We’re committed to ensuring staff are engaged in this process.”