THE chairman of South Yorkshire Fire Authority is to stand down following controversy over his decision to approve tens of thousands of pounds in overtime payments to chief fire officers.
Coun Jim Andrews - who is also the deputy leader of Barnsley Council - announced his intention to stand down at the meeting of the fire authority on Monday. He will leave the post in May and not seek re-election.
Coun Andrews faced criticism after he approved payments of almost £100,000 to officers for working during national strikes without the full knowledge of members of the authority.
An internal audit inquiry determined the payments were lawful but lacked transparency, and the officers agreed to pay the money back.
Read more in this weeks Barnsley Chronicle
