Keir Starmer Faces Backlash from Trade Unions over Fire and Rescue Funding
Keir Starmer is facing criticism from trade unions after accusations of imposing austerity measures on fire and rescue services. The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) claims the Labour government has imposed real-terms cuts to fire and rescue services across England.
FBU general secretary Steve Wright warned that these cuts put lives at risk, citing the loss of one in five firefighter jobs since 2010 and the worst response times ever recorded. He urged the government to reconsider and invest in fire and rescue services to ensure public safety.
The criticism comes after the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) announced a 1.4% increase in central funding for fire and rescue services, falling short of the 2.5% inflation rate. This follows concerns about potential watering down of workers' rights, a key issue championed by the FBU in the Labour manifesto.
Wright also warned of strong pushback if the government attempts to hold down wages. He believes the government should target the super-rich and big businesses instead of imposing cuts on vital frontline services.
The government spokesperson defended the funding increase, stating that it will protect local taxpayers from excessive council tax increases. They also highlighted the option for fire and rescue authorities to increase funding by £5.
However, the FBU remains unconvinced and calls for a significant increase in investment to ensure the safety of firefighters and the public.
12 Comments
Karamba
The government is clearly more interested in protecting tax revenues than in investing in critical emergency services.
Rotfront
While critics say more is needed, a cautious funding increase now might lead to better-planned investments in emergency services in the future.
Karamba
If reducing firefighter roles and response speeds is the price for “fiscal discipline,” then something is very wrong.
Matzomaster
It’s unconscionable to make essential services suffer while shielding the rich and big businesses from pressure.
Karamba
While the increase isn’t perfect, it’s a cautious move meant to avoid damaging local taxpayers while still trying to support critical services.
KittyKat
Telling workers to wait for a mere increase instead of addressing real cuts is a short-sighted and dangerous policy.
Noir Black
This policy is short-term cost-cutting at the expense of long-term safety – a mistake that could have dire consequences.
Eugene Alta
Starmer’s cuts on fire and rescue services are reckless – putting our frontline heroes and public safety at risk.
Katchuka
Austerity measures on emergency services are unacceptable; our community’s safety should always be the top priority.
Loubianka
Cutting spending on services that save lives simply to avoid council tax hikes is both irresponsible and heartless.
Matzomaster
Starmer’s reluctance to invest adequately in fire and rescue services shows a blatant disregard for the lives of both firefighters and citizens.
Eugene Alta
Incremental steps allow local authorities time to adjust and innovate in how they support fire and rescue services.