Fire and Rescue Service investment “must be key part of Government’s plans”

“While we were not anticipating major funding announcements for Fire and Rescue Services,” stated Hardingham, “we urgently need assurances ahead of the Spending Review that investment in this critical area will be prioritised to protect public safety.”

Hardingham continued: “We welcome the Chancellor’s commitment that there will be a £625 million of investment to address the chronic skills shortage in the construction industry, which we have repeatedly warned is a key barrier to building fire safety and remediating unsafe buildings. However, this investment must be backed by a clear strategy to ensure the funds are going to where they are needed the most.”

Further, Hardingham explained: “The Chancellor spoke of the impact of increased global uncertainty. Looking ahead to the upcoming Spending Review, Fire and Rescue Services must be recognised for their vital role in responding to increasing resilience threats, from climate change through to terrorism and on again to emerging technologies.”

Demand and resources

Since 2008, there has been a reduction of 11,000 full-time firefighters, while 999 incidents have risen by 18% over the past decade, creating a growing gap between demand and resources.

“Additionally,” urged Hardingham, “the lack of new capital funding for Fire and Rescue Services for over a decade now has hindered efforts to modernise them and improve firefighter safety. Fire and Rescue Services are also grappling with the added pressure of their increased regulatory role in addressing the building safety crisis.”

In addition, Hardingham said: “While Fire and Rescue Services were not in the spotlight of the Chancellor’s speech, we want to see them feature prominently in the Government’s plans in the coming months as we move towards the Spending Review. We stand ready to work with ministers to ensure that Fire and Rescue Services are properly resourced to meet the increasing risks and demands they face.”

On a cautionary note, Hardingham concluded: “Without this investment, Fire and Rescue Services risk being the forgotten members of the Emergency Services family.”