Ruth Edwards has spoken out in Parliament today against the proposals that could see West Bridgford’s Fire Station lose its night shift.
The cut is part of a plan put forward by the Fire Authority.
Responding to Ruth in the House of Commons, Fire Minister Chris Philp laid out how Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Services (NFRS) have received a 5.2% increase in central Government funding last year and, thanks to Ruth’s campaigning in Parliament, hinted that there is more financial good news to be announced for the fire service tomorrow.
This comes after Ruth met with Fire Fighters at West Bridgford and subsequently with the Fire Minister to discuss the proposals and ways that 24-hour cover in Rushcliffe could be saved.
Answering the public consultation on the changes, Ruth emphasised how Rushcliffe would be the only borough in Nottinghamshire left without full-time night shifts and would have an increased response time of 43 seconds.
There are 5 other whole time stations in Nottinghamshire with the lower call-out rates than the West Bridgford remaining unaffected.
Ruth’s response also noted the gulf in Nottinghamshire’s 10.65% workforce cuts compared to the national average in England of 1.6% between 2016 and 2021. This is despite Nottinghamshire receiving similar funding settlements to other fire authorities.Ruth said “I
welcome both the recently announced precept flexibility and the hints from the minister that there will be a funding increase of some sort announced tomorrow. Unfortunately, this is necessary due to the current high rate of inflation.
However, any increase in precept or central government funding ultimately comes from the pockets of my constituents. Because of this, we need to make sure that the budget is managed effectively and efficiently whilst delivering good fire services and value for money for the people of Rushcliffe. This includes keeping West Bridgford as a full-time station.”
County Cllr Jonathan Wheeler, who is the leader of the Opposition on the Fire Authority welcomed the news flexibility had been given on the council tax precept and the possibility of an increase in funding.
‘Conservative MPs and Councillors continue to work in a constructive way to help find a way forwards to keep West Bridgford Fire Station open.
‘It would be easy for us to stand back and blame the Labour and Independent-run Fire Authority for messing up the finances but that would not help our residents going forwards.
‘While other parties play games we will continue to work to give the Authority no excuse to close West Bridgford Fire Station at night and cut the fire coverage in the South of Nottinghamshire while quietly increasing in the North of the County despite apparently not having the money to do so.’
