Fire union pledges to keep fighting ‘takeover’ by PCC - The Worcester Observer

Fire union pledges to keep fighting ‘takeover’ by PCC

Worcester Editorial 17th Aug, 2019   0

FIRE budgets could be cut in favour of policing, the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has warned, after fire authorities lost a bid to block a takeover from West Mercia’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).

The FBU warns Hereford and Worcester and Shropshire fire and rescue services could face cuts of £4million under the takeover.

And it has dismissed as ‘misleading’ claims from the PCC, John Campion, that the cuts could be implemented without affecting emergency cover.

Andrew Scattergood, FBU West Midlands regional secretary, said: “It’s dangerously misleading for the PCC to suggest he can cut £4million from existing budgets without affecting emergency cover.




“Control room staff are firefighters and are trained to provide vital fire survival guidance calls – scrapping their posts or merging with policing services is simply not safe.

“Firefighters provide a humanitarian service, which often allows access to areas of the community that the police sometimes struggle to engage with.


“We cannot do that unless it’s clear that we are not the police.

“We’re not going to cave in on this – we’ll keep fighting until this hostile takeover stops. This is a serious matter of public safety.”

The FBU and fire and rescue authorities have adamantly opposed the takeover, voicing concerns about its undemocratic nature as well as Mr Campion’s lack of fire service experience.

Mr Campion set out his initial business case for single governance in 2017, highlighting a range of improvements and efficiencies that could be delivered by ensuring better collaboration between local police and fire services.

The two local fire authorities tried to block the change by applying for a judicial review of the technical process the Government followed. However, a High Court judge confirmed the process followed by the Government was lawful, giving the green light for the transition to single governance.

Mr Campion said: “I have the utmost respect for our firefighters, but I am afraid the claims from the FBU amount to little more than scaremongering.

“Their suggestion that fire budgets could be cut in favour of policing is nonsense. Money for each individual service is legally protected.

“As such, it would be illegal to take money given for fire services and use it for policing.

“The FBU’s fears regarding emergency responses and public safety have no evidential basis. The issue of public safety has been formally scrutinised throughout this process by independent consultants, Government, Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy and most recently a high court judge.

“It is clear that rather than damaging public safety, there are actually some significant benefits that single governance would enable.”

Business Directory

From plumbers, to restaurants, we can provide you with all the info you need.

Subscribe

Receive a weekly update to your inbox by signing up to our weekly newsletter.

Online Editions

Catch up on your local news by reading our e-editions on the Worcester Observer.

Announcements

Weddings, Birthdays, Bereavements, Thank you notices, Marriages and more.