Stockport Labour Group has attacked Government cuts which could see Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service lose 312 firefighters and emergency cover for Stockport reduced to just one fire engine available each night.

Ahead of a debate on cuts to the fire service at Stockport Council on 28th January, Labour Councillor Walter Brett said ‘These proposals put local people at risk – public safety is the primary duty of any Government so I am urging them to reconsider these disproportionate cuts.

‘The Fire Authority predicts this will mean 312 firefighters will be lost in Greater Manchester, with numbers falling from 1,311 to less than 1,000 by 2020. In 2010 there were 1,850, so we will have seen a really dramatic and unsafe fall in our fire and rescue service.

‘Stockport could also have greatly reduced night-time cover, with a reduction of night-time fire engines across Greater Manchester from 56 down to 33 meaning our borough will only have 1 engine available to immediately respond to local emergencies.’

The Comprehensive Spending Review on 25th November meant further frontline cuts of £15.8 million to the GMFRS budget over the next 4 years, and £12.6 million of this was frontloaded by the Government for 2016-17 and 2017-18, making planning for these reductions much more challenging.

Cuts have already left the resilience of GMFRS to respond to emergencies stretched to the limit – since 2010 their budget has been cut by £28 million, resulting in the loss of 539 firefighter posts and 10 fire engines being taken out of operation.

Coun. Brett added ‘As the second largest service in the country, GMFRS plays a major role in keeping our region and people across the country safe – during recent flooding, firefighters contributed to efforts in Cumbria and Yorkshire as well as in Greater Manchester.

‘Fire prevention is a key part of the work of GMFRS and a successful focus on it is the primary reason for a 42% reduction in fires over the last six years. This progress is at risk due to these cuts.’

GMFRS are at the forefront of public sector reform and innovation and play a pivotal role in our local and national security and resilience, protecting homes and businesses, saving lives and helping in times of crisis.