FIRE SERVICE INVESTMENT

That this House recognises that cuts to the fire and rescue service put the public at great risk; is deeply concerned that around 1,500 frontline firefighter jobs and over 700 support jobs were lost in the last year in the UK; notes that professional bodies throughout the service including the Fire Brigades Union are warning of further reductions, which could cut one in five firefighters compared with 2010 levels; is deeply concerned that more cuts will mean slower response times to emergencies; further notes that fire station closures and fewer appliances will devastate local communities; believes that the fire and rescue service, which costs around £50 per person per year, is exceptional value for money for a world-class emergency service; further believes that the service requires investment not cuts; and calls on the Government to ensure that the forthcoming local government settlement provides funding to ensure that there are no further cuts to the fire service.