Firefighters campaign against cuts
Key changes to the way the fire service is run are being put out to public consultation. The Fire Brigade’s Union (FBU) lobbied County Hall today, protesting against what they call “drastic cuts”. They warn the cutbacks put the public and firefighters at greater risk. In Norwich, 24 jobs could go, with the loss of one fire engine from Bethel Street.
The recommendations put before Norfolk County Council’s cabinet today will be subject to a three month public consultation. The review of the way the fire service is organised covers the period 2011-14. In Norwich, the existing station at Bethel Street will close in 2011 and a new station will open at Carrow. Under the proposals, one fire appliance would be cut from Norwich, meaning 24 wholetime firefighter posts would go. The union estimates the savings across Norfolk amount to £1.5 million.
During the meeting, cabinet member for Fire and Community Protection, Cllr Harry Humphrey(Cons), said: ” I feel these recommendations meet the requirements for the county going ahead to 2011-14.” In a astatement he added: ”The Safety Plan discipline means that every three years the service must step back, take a fresh look at itself and asks how it can improve. “”The current economic situation dictates that all public bodies reevaluate how they deliver their services. I think people would expect their fire and rescue service to take this opportunity to make sure it is working as efficiently as possible to make Norfolk even safer, as well as making the best use of its resources. ”
But there was anger among the firefighters who attended the meeting. Questions they wanted to ask were refused by the chairman on the grounds that firefighters are employees of the council. Chairman, Daniel Cox (Cons) said: “Norfolk County Council’s public speaking rights give rights to members of the public who are resident in Norfolk to ask questions. These rights do not include employees asking questions related to their employment.”
The Fire Brigade’s Union is calling for transparency surrounding the consultation process. Jamie Wyatt, FBU secretary said: “We want the service to be honest during the consultation process and to put the recommendations into words the public will understand.” “A modern fire service plans to meet the risks it faces and it cannot do this by crude wholesale cuts to emergency front line services.”
On the day the general election’s been called, the union also called for all the candidates in Norfolk to take a stand on this issue. A final decision on the recommendations is expected when the cabinet meets in October.
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