This petition was submitted during the 2015–2017 Conservative government
Petition Stop the deep and dangerous cuts to our Fire and Rescue Services.
The financial cuts being put on our Fire and Rescue Services have become too deep, there has already been substantial reductions made to front line staff in many brigades within the UK.
We now need to make a stand to stop any proposed further cuts to our life saving services.
More details
We are in times of economic growth, our towns and cities are growing, roads are becoming busier and to add to this we are at a heightened threat from extremist organisations, but regardless of this the UK government is imposing further cuts to our services. The UK tax payer has not reduced the amount they pay for this vital service so why has to government taken it upon themselves to reduce life saving services? The public of our country need take a stand and fight to save our services!
This petition is closed This petition ran for 6 months
Government responded
This response was given on 24 March 2016
Fire and Rescue Authorities have delivered significant savings over the past five years. During the same period, fire deaths fell by 22% and fire injuries requiring hospital treatment fell by 26%.
Read the response in full
Public safety is a Government priority. The local government finance settlement announced on 8 February is a fair settlement in a difficult environment. It demonstrates our commitment to protecting quality front-line services.
In 2016-17, all single-purpose Fire and Rescue Authorities have a reduction in their core spending power of 1.6%, which is lower than the England average. Over the five years to March 2020, Fire and Rescue Authorities will see an overall reduction of 2% to their core spending power.
Core spending power is the best measure of funding for Fire and Rescue Authorities, as it takes account of all the main sources of income they receive. It includes council tax, business rates and the Government settlement.
There is no question fire and rescue services will still have the resources to do their important work. There are more efficiencies to be made through smarter working, reducing the cost of back office functions and using services’ buying power to get the best deals from suppliers. Further emergency services collaboration will also deliver further savings and benefits for the public.
Non-ringfenced reserves for single purpose Fire and Rescue Authorities have risen from £326.6 million in 2010-11 to £560.8 million in 2014-15, a 72% rise. These reserves could be used to cover short-term costs, in order to achieve longer-term efficiencies.
Home Office
Related activity
Public Accounts Committee report on the financial sustainability of fire and rescue services
The House of Commons Public Accounts Committee recently published a report on the financial sustainability of fire and rescue services.
The Committee's inquiry examined the impact of funding reductions on the effectiveness of fire and rescue services.
You can read the Committee's report here: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201516/cmselect/cmpubacc/582/582.pdf
Find out more about the Public Accounts Committee's inquiry: http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/public-accounts-committee/inquiries/parliament-2015/financial-sustainability-fire-and-rescue-services-15-16/
You can follow the Public Accounts Committee on Twitter: @CommonsPAC
There are other ways you can get involved in the work of the UK Parliament.
Find out how to contact your MP or a Lord, contribute to a Parliamentary Committee, and search for free Parliament events taking place in your local area here: http://www.parliament.uk/get-involved/
Find out how you can visit Parliament: http://www.parliament.uk/visiting/
You can find out more about the work of the Petitions Committee on its website here: www.parliament.uk/petitions-committee
You can follow the Petitions Committee on Twitter: @hocpetitions