After a campaign by firefighters, Hampshire and Isle of Wight fire authority voted today to delay cuts to frontline firefighter posts, giving time to find additional resources.
All eyes are now on central government and the region’s MPs, who are being urged by the Fire Brigades Union to lobby for funding to cover the hole in the fire service’s budget.
Fire service Senior Management say the government needs to stump up around million pounds to prevent frontline cuts in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Mark Chapman, Fire Brigades Union regional secretary for the Southern Region, said:
“Today’s outcome is a big achievement for our “Stop, Think and Reassess” campaign. FBU members and concerned members of the public have every right to feel proud of themselves.
“We now have extra time to fight for the funding we need to stop frontline job losses. If these cuts go through, response times and our ability to respond to emergencies will deteriorate leaving homes and lives at greater risk.
“It’s time for MPs in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to step up and push central
government to plug the gap. After 15 years of austerity, this fire and rescue service is on its knees.
"This government must deliver the positive change it has promised.”
