NFCC warns of fire service strain after exclusion from Spending Review
Iain Hoey
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Government review draws criticism from UK fire chiefs
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has raised concerns about the exclusion of fire and rescue services from the UK Government’s latest Spending Review.
According to the NFCC, the omission poses risks to community safety and reflects a lack of national recognition for fire service contributions to emergency response.
NFCC Chair Phil Garrigan said the service has faced prolonged underfunding, leading to a 25% reduction in firefighter numbers in England since 2008 and deteriorating infrastructure.
The organisation added that it will continue working with the Fire Minister and hopes the broader funding settlement for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government will include support for fire and rescue services.
The NFCC is the professional voice of fire and rescue services in the UK and operates as an independent membership association and charity.
Long-term funding reductions impact frontline capacity
The NFCC reported that firefighter numbers in England have declined by approximately 11,000 over the past decade.
This figure represents a 25% decrease in wholetime firefighters – those permanently based at fire stations as their main job – since 2008.
The organisation said this decline has placed increased pressure on the remaining workforce and contributed to inconsistency in service delivery across regions.
Phil Garrigan said: “We have seen prolonged disinvestment in fire and rescue services over many years.”
He added: “The reality of this is that we now have 11,000 fewer firefighters than we did a decade ago.”
He continued: “We have fire stations that are falling apart, and we have a big challenge in delivering consistency across services.”
National recognition of fire and rescue role called for
The NFCC said the absence of fire and rescue services from the Spending Review fails to reflect the role they play in responding to major emergencies.
Phil Garrigan said: “Today’s Spending Review makes no direct mention of fire and rescue services and that is concerning.
“Our communities already understand that firefighters are on the frontline response to every major incident our country faces, and we need government to recognise that too.”
He continued: “If we are to continue to keep communities safe and do justice to the incredible work of fire and rescue staff, there must be a fundamental shift in how we value this service at a national level.”
Commitment to collaboration despite uncertain funding
Despite uncertainty around future finances, the NFCC said it remains committed to engaging with government to secure support.
Garrigan said: “Our financial position is uncertain, but we are committed to working with the Fire Minister.”
He added: “Our hope is that fire and rescue services will be supported through the broader settlement for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.”
The NFCC confirmed that further information on the financial challenges facing the sector is available on its website.
Broader implications for fire service infrastructure and planning
The NFCC said the combination of staff reductions and ageing infrastructure has implications for the ability of fire services to respond effectively to emergencies.
It added that differences in funding and resourcing between local services may affect response times, training and community engagement.
The organisation noted that addressing these challenges will require structural reforms and sustained investment across the UK.
It also emphasised that national recognition of the sector’s contributions is key to ensuring long-term resilience and preparedness.
NFCC warns of fire service strain after exclusion from Spending Review: Summary
The NFCC has responded to the UK Government’s June 2025 Spending Review.
The organisation said the review made no direct mention of fire and rescue services.
NFCC Chair Phil Garrigan said this was concerning.
He stated that fire services have seen prolonged disinvestment over many years.
The NFCC said firefighter numbers in England have dropped by 11,000 since 2008.
This represents a 25% reduction in wholetime firefighters.
The organisation also said some fire stations are in poor condition.
It highlighted difficulties in achieving consistency between local services.
The NFCC said national recognition of the sector’s role is needed.
It expressed hope for support via the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government settlement.
The organisation confirmed its commitment to working with the Fire Minister.
It described the financial position of the sector as uncertain.
The NFCC is the professional voice of the UK fire and rescue service.
It is a charity and independent membership body.