A public consultation on cuts to Devon and Somerset fire and rescue service has been extended until the end of this week.
The service needs to save more than £5 million over the next two years. The proposals include cutting 150 frontline firefighters, manning some fire stations part-time and using more cheaper fire engines.
Fire services could merge to save millions of pounds
Read the full story– Trevor French, Devon and Somerset FBU secretaryRather than just accept these enormous cuts forced upon us by central government, the fire authority along with chief fire officer Lee Howell should tell the coalition government that this scale of cuts is unacceptable, risks destroying the fabric of this important service, and ultimately puts more lives at risk.
– Bob Walker, FBU brigade chairIf the cuts proposed go through, there will be fewer firefighters, fewer fire stations and fewer fire engines. After the recent floods and fires firefighters have dealt with so professionally, the cuts would be a real kick in the teeth for both the public and the service. The FBU is asking people in our communities to stand up against damaging proposals for the fire and rescue service before it is too late.
Fire officers will be lost as part of £5.5 million cuts proposed by Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.
Read the full story
Front line firefighters in Devon and Somerset could be cut as part of £5.5 million of savings at the fire authority.
The government grant being given to Devon and Somerset Fire Service is being cut by more than 10% this year and a further 7.3% next year.
It's the third worst grant settlement to a fire authority in the country.
Firefighters were told about the proposed cuts this morning.
Devon and Somerset Fire Service is planning to save £3.4 million in the next financial year.
They also want to save another £2 million the year after that. They're having to make the cuts because of a reduction in their government grant. The details of the savings plan will be announced this morning.
