Spending Review omission of fire and rescue “concerning”, say Fire Chiefs

Responding to the Spending Review, delivered today by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Chair, Phil Garrigan, said:

“Today’s Spending Review makes no direct mention of fire and rescue services and that is concerning. Our communities already understand that firefighters are on the frontline response to every major incident our country faces, and we need government to recognise that too.

“We have seen prolonged disinvestment in fire and rescue services over many years. The reality of this is that we now have 11,000 fewer firefighters than we did a decade ago. We have fire stations that are falling apart, and we have a big challenge in delivering consistency across services.

“If we are to continue to keep communities safe and do justice to the incredible work of fire and rescue staff, there must a fundamental shift in how we value this service at a national level.

“Our financial position is uncertain, but we are committed to working with the Fire Minister and our hope is that fire and rescue services will be supported through the broader settlement for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government”.

NFCC

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