Scottish Parliament allocates funding for SFRS

The Scottish Parliament has approved the 2025 budget, which includes funding for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS).

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has raised concerns that while the budget will see a moderate increase, it is insufficient to address the financial pressures faced by the service.

The union highlights that over the past 13 years, more than 1,200 firefighter posts have been lost due to budget cuts. In 2023, ten fire engines were taken out of service and remain unavailable.

FBU warns of ongoing financial strain

The FBU states that inflation and the deteriorating condition of fire stations and control rooms will absorb much of the budget increase.

Colin Brown, FBU executive council member for Scotland, said: “The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is in a state of crisis after years of underfunding. While the FBU welcomes an increase to the budget this year, much of this will be swallowed by inflation and the spiralling costs of a crumbling estate.”

He added that the service requires long-term investment to restore lost resources and improve working conditions.

Calls for greater capital investment

The SFRS has identified that £80 million in annual capital investment is needed to address backlogs in maintenance and infrastructure improvements.

Brown said: “Fire stations and control rooms are in appalling condition across the country, left to decay without investment. While an increase to capital expenditure is welcome, nearly twice as much is needed to make fire service buildings functional and safe.”

The FBU has also raised concerns over the impact of changes to employers’ national insurance contributions, which could leave the service with a funding shortfall if additional resources are not provided.

National concerns over firefighter numbers

FBU general secretary Steve Wright highlighted the wider issue of firefighter reductions across the UK.

He said: “Since 2010, 1 in 5 firefighter posts have been lost to cuts across the UK. Scotland has 1,200 fewer firefighters than in 2010, pushing the service to breaking point.”

Wright also noted the increasing demands on fire and rescue services due to extreme weather events linked to climate change.

“Politicians at every level have a duty to give the fire service the resources it needs to keep the public safe,” he said.

Scottish fire service budget increase falls short, says FBU: Summary

The Scottish Parliament has approved its 2025 budget, which includes funding for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

The Fire Brigades Union has warned that while there is an increase, inflation and ongoing financial pressures will limit its impact. More than 1,200 firefighter posts have been lost over the past 13 years, and ten fire engines remain unavailable due to previous budget cuts.

The SFRS has estimated that £80 million in annual capital investment is required to address maintenance backlogs, with the FBU stating that current funding is insufficient.

Concerns have also been raised over changes to national insurance contributions, which could create further financial strain. The FBU is calling for long-term investment to restore firefighter numbers, improve station conditions, and ensure fire and rescue services are equipped to handle growing risks.