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‘Whilst these extensive
proposals are a matter for Warwickshire County Council and
Warwickshire’s communities to determine, we have a responsibility
to consider any potential impact they may have on our communities
and staff in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
We have raised significant concerns
regarding proposals to reduce the number of fire
stations and fire appliances across Warwickshire.
In our view these proposals, if enacted, would
inevitably lead to an increase in the times our own front line
resources are called upon to support operations in Warwickshire.
Unless we reviewed current mutual aid arrangements, this could
impact the levels of resources available to protect our own
communities, impact Warwickshire’s ability to meet their current
mutual aid obligations to us, and increase costs for our own
Council Tax payers.
Our evaluation of these
proposals has been made on the basis of the limited data and
analysis that has been made publicly available. During the
consultation period we have requested further data and analysis to
assist a more in depth evaluation of these proposals and have made
clear that we would be happy to review our position should
Warwickshire be able to provide the information that has been
requested.
Our Authority has reaffirmed
that its primary responsibility is to protect the communities of
Herefordshire and Worcestershire through the provision of an
effective and efficient emergency service. The publicity surrounding these
proposals has generated considerable anxiety across Herefordshire
and Worcestershire, and we will take action to reassure communities
that Warwickshire’s plans will not be allowed to adversely impact
on the service they receive or the costs they are expected to pay
through Council Tax. ‘
Commenting on this response,
Jacqui said:
‘It seemed clear to me that
closing Studley Fire Station would impact on Redditch. I have made this point to
Warwickshire Fire Authority, but have so far received no reply or
reassurance. Today we
have a clear view from the professionals in Worcestershire that
these cuts could bring an additional pressure on our fire
service. Fire
fighters have always supported each other across boundaries, but it
seems wrong that Redditch firefighters will be put under pressure
because of Conservative cuts in Warwickshire. And it is wrong that Redditch
council tax payers will be footing the bill for filling the gap
left by Conservative cuts in Warwickshire.
David Cameron recently asked
us to judge a potential Conservative government on how
Conservatives behaved in local government.
We have an answer here;
Vote Conservative – get cuts in vital services!’
Jacqui Smith MP
To contact Jacqui about this
story, you can email her at smithjj@parliament.co.uk
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