Dear Brother/Sister

CONTROL REGIONALISATION: SELECT COMMITTEE INQUIRY

The House of Commons Select Committee for the department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) held its inquiry into the FiReControl project last week. It considered a range of written and oral evidence, including written and verbal submissions from the FBU. The most significant recent development has been the strengthening of opposition to the regionalisation project from various organisations within the Fire and Rescue Service. This now includes the Employers’ Organisation (LGA) and CFOA. For much of the past six years the FBU has been a lone voice highlighting the difficulties which will face the Service as a result of this ill-though-out project.  Finally, as problems escalate and delays get worse, other are beginning to recognise the merits of our arguments.

The Select Committee inquiry has provided an opportunity for various voices within the Service to raise concerns and criticism of the CLG project and with the mismanagement which has dogged it from the start. 

A link to the evidence session can by found at: http://www.parliamentlive.tv/Main/Player.aspx?meetingId=5837

We will carefully review all the evidence submitted to this inquiry as well as the findings which emerge and will use this information as the basis for the next stage of our campaigning against Control regionalisation, in support of our members’ jobs and in defence of a top quality service. Members should note that our political campaigning around this issue so far has meant that it remains at the top of the agenda in the Fire and Rescue Service. All FBU members can assist in ensuring that this remains the case by supporting our lobbying activities and events as they are announced.

Best wishes.

Yours fraternally


MATT WRACK
GENERAL SECRETARY
MW/sll