Reforming Fire and Rescue Services

Dear constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about proposals to reform fire and rescue services.

As you know, the Government outlined proposals in a White Paper published on 18 May 2022. The proposals include a review of pay negotiation structures and changes to governance. I know that the Fire Brigades Union has raised concerns around these proposals. I believe the Government must recognise the value of unions that work so hard to protect firefighters and services and I their views should be carefully considered.

The White Paper was subject to a consultation, which closed on 26 July 2022. I look forward to reading the outcome of the consultation and the Government’s response.

The Government’s White Paper must not be a missed opportunity to improve and boost support for fire and rescue services. Over the last 10 years, the funding and staffing of fire and rescue services has been cut, and response times have gone up by 8%. As a result, there are real questions to be asked about resilience in our fire services.

Firefighters run into danger to protect us. I will continue do everything I can to fight against cuts to fire and rescue services and make sure their voices are heard.

Thank you once again for contacting me about this issue.

Yours sincerely,

Peter Dowd MP