Firefighters consider legal challenge
The Fire Brigade’s Union (FBU) is looking into taking legal action against proposed changes to the fire service. Public consultation opened today on changes put forward by Norfolk Fire and Rescue Authority, which include reducing the fire cover for Norwich, with the loss of a possible 24 posts.
Public consultation opened today on the proposed changes, which include stationing 1 crew at the new Carrow Fire Station rather than the 2 at Bethel Street. Harry Humphrey, Cabinet Member for Fire and Rescue, said: “This set of proposals follows thorough analysis of a huge amount and range of evidence. We believe doing these things will help us continue to have the right resources in the right place at the right time.”
As reported previously by South Norwich News, the FBU see these as “drastic cuts”, which will put the public and fire service at greater risk. The FBU’s argument centres on something called an Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP). The union has tried to gain a copy of this document using the Freedom of Information Act but has been turned down 3 times. This document is due to be published today, as the public consultation opens. The union may mount a legal challenge, if it thinks the IRMP has been incorrectly carried out.
The union plans to scrutinise the document, holding it up against Government guidelines, which they quote saying: “(Fire and Rescue Services)… need to ensure monitoring and audit arrangements are robust, transparent and able to stand scrutiny. An important consideration throughout all stages of producing an IRMP is the maintenance of safe systems of work for firefighter safety. The whole objective is to build a better Fire and Rescue Service which will save more lives.”
Jamie Wyatt, FBU brigade secretary said: “Until such time as such compelling evidence is disclosed, stands up to scrutiny and clearly shows that the overall net effect will be to improve community and firefighter safety, the Fire Authority cannot expect the experienced and professional workforce that actually delivers the life-saving service to the public to be convinced by the IRMP. And if the professionals aren’t convinced, the public and the politicians should worry.”
The consultation runs from May 24th until August 15th 2010. The results will be reported to the Fire and Rescue Overview and Scrutiny Committee on September 7th. Recommendations from that meeting will be passed to Cabinet for final decision on November 8th.
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