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Feb 2022

Last Updated: 08/02/2022

Community

North Yorkshire fire service 'struggling to buy the basics', says union

by Calvin Robinson

| 09 Feb, 2022

The Fire Brigade Union says the government has left North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service in a 'horrendous position' by abolishing its capital grant. It says the service is now 'struggling to buy the basics'.

Picture: North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue.

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:

“The government has left North Yorkshire fire and rescue service in a horrendous position – it’s abolished the entirety of its capital funding for it. When coupled with the already desperate financial state of the service there will be serious implications.

“The fire and rescue service is now struggling to buy the basics needed for our firefighters to protect their communities, and struggling to invest in its dilapidated buildings, many of which are unfit for purpose in 2022. For example, we still have several stations which do not have adequate facilities for female members of staff.

“The government needs to start taking fire and rescue seriously and fund it appropriately. The firefighters of North Yorkshire are staring down the barrel of a gun, either cut firefighter jobs to pay for basic provisions or fail to have adequate facilities or equipment. Neither option provides the public of North Yorkshire with the protection they deserve or require.”

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.

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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:

“The financial challenges for the service are considerable with pressures around utilities, estates cost and staff pay.

“I do appreciate and understand members concerns around funding and the budget request at the last meeting and I do share these.

“As you are aware, I have lobbied hard for the government on precept flexibility."

Meanwhile, Michael Porter, chief finance officer at the commissioner's office, said:

“I think it is fair to say that the financial needs of the organisation and the service outstrip what we are asking for and proposing today.”

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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North Yorkshire fire service 'struggling to buy the basics', says union

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