FBU general secretary Matt Wrack outlines why now is the time for firefighters to lobby politicians for decent funding, and how they can do it
The next few weeks will be pivotal for the immediate future of our service, especially on funding, and every member has a role to play.
On 1 November, we used our national rally to launch the Firefighters’ Manifesto. That document sets out a clear stall for the fire and rescue service: resilient and joined-up, with the resources it needs and a seat at the table for firefighters. The aim of the manifesto – and the campaign around it – is to set the tone for what the next UK government does.
But our demands – on pay, firefighter numbers and more – are only possible to win if the fire service is funded properly. There are two important processes that we can intervene in immediately:
● In late January or early February, the government will set the funding available to local councils. We need to lobby MPs and central government as much as possible before then.
● In February, running up to early March, fire authorities will meet to decide how to spend the money they have been allocated. We must be present around and at those meetings to make the case for funding our service.
INVESTMENT NOT CUTS
In the autumn statement – a mini-budget which is held each year – the government gave us an indication of what it might do next. Millionaire chancellor Jeremy Hunt prioritised tax cuts for the wealthiest over the needs of workers struggling with the cost of living crisis.
Since 2010, the fire and rescue service has lost one in five firefighter jobs and 30% of its central government funding. It’s not a coincidence that, at the same time, local government has faced a roughly 40% cut to its central government funding.
Now is the time for firefighters to pressure politicians to back a viable future for our service
The Tories may now seek to cut public services even further – but cuts are not inevitable if we fight them. During our pay campaign last year, we proved that by standing together and showing up, we can shift our employers.
We can do the same with this weak government if we can demonstrate that we have support and determination. Lobbying your politicians is a crucial part of that task.
Whatever Rishi Sunak does in the next few months, the chances are they are running out of time. In a year’s time, we will almost certainly have had a general election, and it is unlikely the Tories will win.
The crucial question for us is about what the next government does with the fire service.
Will it put in the money we need to restore jobs and improve pay?
Will it give firefighters a voice in the structures of the fire service via a statutory advisory body?
Will it take climate change seriously, address inequality and take exposure to fire contaminants seriously?
The Firefighters’ Manifesto is our answer to those questions, and it is rooted in decades of struggle.
We are demanding:
■ Investment: stop and reverse the cuts to jobs
■ Fair pay: delivered through collective bargaining
■ National standards: on response times and crewing
■ A voice for firefighters: a new forum to set policy and standards
■ Climate action: a service fit for floods and extreme weather events
■ Democratic public service: accountable to our communities
■ Equality: an inclusive service, open to everyone
■ Decon: health monitoring and recognition of occupational disease
■ The right to strike: scrap the anti-union laws
■ Occupational pensions: recognising the realities of firefighting
Winning these demands is about strength and determination, and it is also about making our voices heard at the right moment. That moment is now. The first step is to find your local politicians and demand they back us.
■ Use the QR code below to send an email to your MP in just a few clicks.
■ Arrange to visit your MP’s local surgery to make the case for funding.
■ Get in touch with your regional secretary to get involved in lobbies of Westminster and fire authorities.
