FIRE CONTROL COVER

That this House recalls the Government's decision in December 2010 to scrap its Regional Fire Control Project which it then relayed to all fire authorities throughout the UK; understands the confusion this caused particularly amongst those authorities who under Government guidance had financially committed themselves to delivering; is alarmed therefore to learn that so far the Government has not offered any transitional assistance whatsoever to these bodies, who instead have been rushed into costly alternative mechanisms to cut costs and keep services running; believes fire authorities should not be forced into making such rash decisions which could endanger the service's future provision, operational and professional approach towards fire control cover; and calls on the Government instead to immediately meet these authorities and the Fire Brigades Union quickly to agree a sensible, workable alternative to the confusion which currently pervades the service.