GOVERNMENT chiefs were this week accused of failing to address a cash crisis union officials fear could lead to vital fire cover being stripped away across the county.
Ministers have confirmed North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s grant funding for next year will be no higher than the 0.5 per cent hike already agreed.
Senior Fire Brigade Union officials warned the area’s fire service cash reserves are severe
ly depleted, and a failure to dramatically increase funding will profoundly affect emergency cover.
FBU secretary Ian Watkins said: “The government is aware of the problems we’re facing, yet ministers appear to be turning a blind eye.
“The brigade’s finances are already at a bare minimum, and the government needs to step in with more money.
“We’ve scraped through this year by relying on cash reserves, but these are drying up and frontline cover will undoubtedly be affected.
“The government needs to realise it cannot start counting pennies when this will put lives at risk.”
NYFR is undertaking the widest-ranging review of non-emergency services for a decade to counter the worst funding settlement offered in its 34 year history.
A brigade spokesman was adamant emergency cover remained the most important priority, and stressed there are “currently no plans” to reduce frontline services.
Funding details were released earlier this year, but fire officials lobbied Whitehall chiefs in a bid to receive extra cash.
However, an announcement last week the grant is due to remain the same has dashed these hopes.
A shortfall of £900,000 is expected during the next three years in North Yorkshire if the proposed settlements aren’t boosted.
Elsewhere, Humberside Fire and Rescue Authority is due to receive a 3.5 per cent increase for the next financial year, while a two per cent rise has been earmarked for West Yorkshire.
