66 Emergency fire control regionalisation

Submitted by Fire Brigades’ Union

Congress condemns the determination of the Government to press ahead with the regionalisation of emergency fire controls in England. This is despite the escalating costs, the lack of support within the fire and rescue service and very clear evidence that this initiative will lead to a poorer level of service to the public, as well as threatening firefighter safety.

Congress also condemns the threat to jobs, terms and conditions in emergency fire controls as a result of this government initiative. The move to regional controls will lead to the loss of up to 900 jobs. Over the past year, clear evidence has emerged that fire service employers in the new Local Authority Controlled Companies (LACCs) intend to use the opportunity of the establishment of new controls to slash the terms and conditions of fire control staff. Congress notes that the LACCs are totally unaccountable to the local people who pay for their fire and rescue services through their council tax.

Congress reiterates its support for the campaign by the FBU against this project.

Congress further calls for the scrapping of the LACCs and for all aspects of local fire and rescue services to remain under local democratic control.

Congress notes the latest phase of the campaign by the FBU in defence of jobs, terms and conditions and pledges full support to the FBU strike action which now appears inevitable as a result of this attack on fire service jobs and conditions.