Service seeks your views on proposals to cut spending

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service is asking people to have their say on a range of proposals designed to meet a £5.5 million reduction in Government funding.

The consultation period closes on 22nd April 2013. There are a variety of ways to get in touch, including its website at www.dsfire.gov.uk/consultation.

The proposals have been developed through extensive, in-depth research and they focus on maintaining or where possible improving public safety at a lower cost to taxpayers.

Chief Fire Officer Lee Howell said: “None of the proposals involve closing fire stations, removing fire engines or making staff compulsorily redundant. We are preparing for a future where we believe we will see further reductions in our funding.”

The proposals include the following measures:
• Change the crewing of three fire engines in Plymouth to ‘on call’ 
• Crew the aerial ladder platform at Crownhill fire station in Plymouth with on call staff
• Change the crewing arrangements of the second fire appliance at Taunton from wholetime to on call
• Change the crewing arrangements of the second fire appliance at Torquay from wholetime to on call
• Change the crewing arrangements of the day crewed (wholetime, day time only) fire engine at Ilfracombe to on call. 

Cllr Mark Healey, Chairman of the Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Authority, said: “We would welcome the public’s views on the proposals to meet the reduction in Government funding. In the meantime, we will continue to lobby Government for a better settlement for Devon and Somerset."

The proposals can be viewed in full at www.dsfire.gov.uk/consultation