Future of Fire Service Discussions...

Suffolk County Council are having a consultation about if they need to make savings from the fire service there.

Its because the government's forcing them to make cuts to save money.

The consultation's starting today and will end on Thursday 5 May 2011.

Businesses, local councils, fire service staff and individuals across Suffolk are encouraged to express their views on the seven proposals to change the way the service is delivered and the response standards set by the Fire and Rescue Service.

As a result of reductions in the county council’s funding, the Fire and Rescue Service need to deliver significant savings in the coming years.

County Councillor Colin Spence, from Suffolk CC's Public Protection, said; “We have an excellent Fire and Rescue Service in Suffolk. Despite the cutbacks we are facing, I believe it can stay that way. Importantly, we have maintained the same number of fire stations and fire engines across Suffolk.

However, to do that, we need to look hard at the way we have been delivering the service and look for ways of doing things differently.  We are keen to hear the local views on our proposals and I urge everyone to look at the consultation documents and help shape the future of the service.

The reality of the current financial climate means that we have no choice but to review all council services, and this includes the important work done by the Fire and Rescue Service." 

There's going to be a big protest by fire crews this weekend about it all.