The Fire Brigades Union today welcomed the announcement by the Government to restructure the current 8 fire and rescue services into a single structure. The FBU believes this gives clarity and a focus for the service and they have stated that their hope now is that all who have the best interest in the service will work together to make the restructure project a success.
Scottish Secretary, John Duffy said, “We look forward to shaping a new service. One that builds on the commitment and sacrifice of previous generations, where we can remove the barriers to progress and where we can deliver a comprehensive, highly skilled and highly motivated rescue service, that will protect the communities of Scotland for years to come.”
The FBU believe the priority should now be to focus of the delivery of this emergency service. They suggest that a measure of success will be to complete the restructure without the public noticing anything other than positive changes.
John Duffy added, “We welcome the Governments vision of a service focused on the frontline, the task now is to create a service that can deliver national goals with local outcomes. The restructure should not be about logos, branding or corporate identities but about keeping local fire crews on local fire engines, in local fire stations”
The FBU also believe that the best people to develop the new service are those closest to it. FBU Executive Council member for Scotland, Roddy Robertson said, “ The service must rise to the challenge. The FBU is ready, willing and able to make a positive contribution to the process. We look forward to working in partnership with Government, Local Authorities and those with the best interests of the service at heart to ensure that this restructure delivers the goals improving our service and enhancing the protection for our communities.”
