Planned cuts to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service have been implemented by the former chief fire officer, despite the fire authority voting to delay the decision in late August.
Chief Fire Officer Neil Odin, who stepped down from his role in September, confirmed in a video message to staff that the £1.6 million in frontline cuts will go ahead.
The fire authority had voted to pause the decision following widespread concern from firefighters and the public about the potential risks to safety.
The service has already faced criticism for failing to meet its own emergency response standards in recent inspections. Campaigners had urged the service to draw on its £23.9 million reserves and press the government for improved funding. Firefighters are continuing to lobby MPs in the area to put pressure on ministers to plug the gap with central government funding.
Mark Chapman, FBU Southern Regional Secretary, said: “Senior management’s decision to force through these cuts is a dereliction of duty. Their responsibility is to put public safety first and preserve vital resources. “The government must now step in and provide the funding urgently needed.”
