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09
Feb 2022
North Yorkshire fire service 'struggling to buy the basics', says union
The government has left North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service in a “horrendous position” struggling to buy basic equipment, according to union bosses.
The Fire Brigade Union said the decision by ministers to scrap its capital grant entirely will have “serious implications” for the service.
Officials at North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner’s office revealed last month that the fire service may have to borrow up to £31 million to help fund projects over the next five years.
But Steve Howley, Fire Brigades Union North Yorkshire brigade secretary, said the bleak financial position meant the fire service was struggling to buy basics.
He said:
On Monday, the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel agreed a 1.98% increase in the fire service precept, which amounts to £75.61 for the year.
Read more:
- ‘God help us!’ — fears over need for £31m to fund North Yorks fire service
- Harrogate council to vote on 1.99% council tax hike
The service was limited to such an increase because it is not one of the eight lowest charging services in the country.
Zoe Metclafe, the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, told the panel that she would continue to lobby government for further flexibility in the precept.
She said:
Meanwhile, Michael Porter, chief finance officer at the commissioner's office, said:
Jonathan Dyson, deputy chief fire officer at North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, sought to reassure the public that despite the financial pressures the public would "continue to receive a high standard of response".
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