Image credit to: Fire Brigades Union/ Neil Terry Photography

Labour announces plan to reform fire and rescue services

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has welcomed the Labour Party’s commitment to transforming the fire and rescue service by involving firefighters and their union in its management.

As reported by the FBU, Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper outlined Labour’s plan to develop a national structure to inform policy and establish national standards in the fire and rescue service.

Cooper spoke to firefighters in Dewsbury and Batley, a key battleground constituency, emphasising the need for collaboration with trade unions and other stakeholders.

Labour’s proposed structure aims to raise standards across the service, addressing issues such as health and safety and service consistency.

The current geographical fragmentation has led to a lack of UK-wide standards, resulting in a postcode lottery for fire cover.

Labour’s plan includes re-establishing national standards and safeguarding collective bargaining in the sector.

Impact of current challenges on fire and rescue services

Since 2010, the fire and rescue service has faced substantial cuts, losing one in five firefighter jobs and 30% of its central government funding.

These reductions have led to increased response times, with the average time for the first fire appliance to arrive now at 9 minutes and 12 seconds in England – the worst on record.

Labour’s manifesto commits to addressing these issues by developing national standards.

Cooper also reaffirmed Labour’s pledge to deliver the New Deal for Working People, including repealing the Minimum Service Levels Act and ending fire and rehire practices.

She stated: “We cannot afford five more years of this. We know that if Labour wins, we will not have an easy inheritance. But we can and will do things differently.”

Union’s response to Labour’s commitment

Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, emphasised the crisis faced by the fire and rescue service after 14 years of Conservative rule.

He highlighted the risks posed to public and firefighter safety due to cuts and fragmentation, stressing the need for a unified approach to tackle new challenges, including the climate crisis.

Wrack stated: “The commitment to deliver national standards in the fire and rescue service is a vital first step.

“Today’s announcement sets out clearly how this might be delivered – with the creation of a new national body in consultation with all stakeholders, including the FBU.”

Labour’s vision for the future of the fire and rescue service

Labour’s vision for the fire and rescue service includes creating a new national body to set standards and involve frontline firefighters in decision-making processes.

This approach aims to end the postcode lottery on fire cover and ensure consistent, high-quality service across the UK.

The proposed reforms are expected to enhance the service’s ability to address emerging risks and improve overall safety standards.

Labour’s commitment to working closely with trade unions and other stakeholders is central to this plan, aiming to create a more resilient and responsive fire and rescue service.