An independent panel set up to recommend allowances for Surrey councillors has resigned after the council ignored its proposals and awarded itself a 60% pay rise.
Dave Herpe, Fire Brigades Union chair for Surrey, said: “Firefighters and the public alike are astounded by the council’s willingness to award itself a 60% pay hike while local fire stations are being closed, public sector workers have received years of real terms pay cuts and firefighters’ pensions are being attacked.
“The Fire Brigades Union in Surrey is currently working closely with the local fire and rescue service to minimise the impact of ongoing cuts to firefighters and public safety, but in this climate it’s inevitable that some very difficult decisions will need to be made.
“By ignoring the pay review panel — and the prime minister’s appeal for pay restraint — the council has sent a worrying message about its priorities, and we’d urge them to reconsider.”
Earlier this year Surrey Fire Authority voted to close fire stations in Sunbury and Staines, as well as halving the number of fire engines based at Spelthorne.
You can find a petition asking the council to return their pay rises at http://petitions.surreycc.gov.uk/moneygrab/.
