Firefighters have warned the government that cutting provisions that help low income families replace old and unsafe electrical goods could increase the risk of fire and fatalities.
The government is currently consulting on a cut to funding for the local welfare provision (the successor scheme to the social fund) which supports low income families with unexpected or one-off expenses.
Amongst other things, local welfare provision helps families to replace electrical items such as cookers, fridges and microwaves as a way to reduce the risk of fires. The government’s own figures show that the majority of accidental dwelling fires are caused by faulty electrical and gas appliances.
Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: “The Fire Brigades Union is joining other trade unionists and campaigners protesting against more government attacks on vulnerable people with unacceptable welfare cuts.
“Cutting local welfare provision funds for benefit claimants to replace dangerous equipment puts lives at risk. Two-thirds of home fire deaths are due to faulty electrical and gas appliances, so funding to help the most vulnerable is essential for reducing the risks of fire. Many people in need currently do not get the money they need.
“Firefighters carry out valuable prevention work with some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, advising on fire safety measures. We see the effects of shoddy electrical goods in fires every day. It is absolutely essential that local welfare provision is available so vulnerable people can replace defective and hazardous equipment with safer alternatives.
“Firefighters want to keep our communities safe and these funds are vital for fire prevention. The government must think again. It must at least maintain funding at current levels and ring-fence the money so local authorities can provide local welfare provision for all residents who need it. Central government must guarantee funding streams in the years ahead – otherwise fire risks will increase and people could die.”
