was "far too sketchy" and "more clarity on a lot of the bill would be helpful" on 21 February 2012. Councillor Grant also said she didn't believe the proposal for a national board of seven to 11 people was appropriate and that there should be at least 15 with a majority of elected members. Bob Jack from the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives said what was needed was a national and local partnership, not an "appointed quango." Mr Jack said the local and national needed to be "knitted together." The bill would see Scotland's eight police forces and eight fire services merged into two single national bodies. It has been announced that single forces for Scotland's police and fire services are expected to begin operating on 1 April next year. Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill has said the legislation would "reduce duplication, not the quality of vital services" and deliver savings of £1.7bn over 15 years. The Labour party back the changes, but the Conservatives are calling for elected local police commissioners who would be responsible for overseeing the delivery and performance of the police service in their area.