Angela Eagle: stop the cuts to Merseyside Fire and Rescue service

Oct 3 2012 Wallasey News

MERSEYSIDE Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) faces devastating cuts as the Tory Government is set to take the axe to their funding later this year.

MFRS are braced for up to 27% cuts when the financial settlement for 2013-2015 is announced in December. This is more than any other fire authority in the country.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service are already the most cost efficient authority and have the lowest cost per emergency attended.

I was shocked to hear the chief fire officer say that: “The grant cut will lead to more fires, fire deaths and injuries on Merseyside. Reductions in stations, appliances and firefighters will have a significant impact on our frontline emergency response and prevention work”.

We’ve already seen a two-year efficiency drive that saw firefighters’ pay frozen and a reduction in back office spending. It is clear that further cuts will put lives at risk here in Wirral.

I have always believed that firefighters in Wirral do a fantastic job under very difficult circumstances. They are constantly putting their lives on the line to keep us safe. That’s why I am asking the Government to think again before making devastating cuts to our local fire services.