Yesterday the regional Management Board for the Fire Service
again failed to endorse the Governments plan for a super-control
for the whole of Southern England.
The board, lobbied by Control Staff and Firefighters from across
the South and South East, have agreed to write to the Office
of the Deputy Prime Minister expressing their growing concerns.
Dean Mills, FBU executive council member said “The board
charged with implementing this dangerous, uncosted plan expressed
yet again their concerns with many wanting it scrapped altogether”
The Scheme will cost a minimum of £754,500,000 to set
up and 12% more per year to run than the present system despite
proposals to axe jobs of skilled control staff. The 110 page
Government report fails to list how a single additional life
could be saved.
Sharon Eames the Regional Control representative said “We
welcome the position taken by all nine brigades in refusing
to endorse the current proposals. Brigades are finally realising
that the Fire Brigades Union position is the correct one and
these dangerous proposals must be stopped”
The board instructed the new clerk Des Pritchard, to write on
their behalf to the ODPM. Many present, representing over 9
million people across the south and south east, expressed their
rapidly growing concerns and fears that the scheme was ill thought
out and that there would be increased costs. Mr Mills stated
that at a time when fire service budgets were strained it was
foolish to continue with the proposals.
Danny Whitelock the regional Chair said “Even the cost
of setting up these type of meetings has an impact on our budgets.
This year and for the next two they will have to spend £580,000
of local taxpayers money each year just running the board. It’s
not only a waste of time and resources it’s a complete
waste of our finances”
Mr Mills praised his members and said they had once again shown
their determination to protect the public and were determined
to improve the fire service and not pander to government policies
which would erode it.
Contacts:
Dean Mills 07956 502 585
Sharon Eames 07917 065 865
