The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has issued a stark warning against proposals to further cut the “overstretched and under-resourced" London Fire Brigades’ budget next year.
In a letter sent to all London MPs this week, the union highlighted that between 20 and 30 fire engines are routinely unavailable each day across the capital due to cuts to crews. On 1 November, 34 fire engines were completely unavailable for call outs.
This includes specialist Fire Rescue Units; Command Units; and Turntable Ladders vital for high-rise, USAR, and hazardous materials incidents.
The union says these figures expose an organisation “operating beyond safe limits”, while senior management of the service has proposed a budget containing £6 million in cuts and £12 million further unidentified ‘savings’.
At the same time, LFB plans to borrow heavily for estates and a new headquarters while reducing operational budgets.
The proposed 2026–27 budget removes the entire uniform allocation, reduces investment in critical communication systems, and delays community risk management projects intended to make improvements following the Grenfell Tower fire, Manchester Arena attacks and the culture review.
The union says this approach amounts to a “false economy”, risking firefighter and public safety.
Adam Shaw, Fire Brigades Union regional treasurer for London, said:
“This budget will determine whether London can rely on its fire and rescue service when disaster strikes. If the brigade cannot crew its fire engines or deliver its risk management plan, then the Mayor and the Commissioner must act now.”
Gareth Cook, Fire Brigades Union regional organiser, said:
“It’s just over two years since the 2022 wildfire crisis, when 39 engines were off the run during a major incident and we’re in exactly the same place.”
“The proposed austerity budget will only wreak further havoc on the fire and rescue service. Londoners deserve better."
Jon Lambe, Fire Brigades Union regional secretary for London said:
“Senior leaders of the London Fire Brigade cannot claim to be keeping Londoners safe while 30 fire engines are unavailable due to cuts to firefighter crews. The service is operating beyond safe limits, overstretched and severely under-resourced.
“On Bonfire night this week, the service took over 800 calls in London. Yet we have fewer firefighters and resources to respond to increasing incidents due to years of cuts.
“We’re seeing millions borrowed for property while frontline equipment is facing being written off. This false economy will put the people of London at greater risk.”
ENDS
NOTES
Contact:
1. For further information, contact the FBU London Region Press Office at [email protected] or call FBU regional secretary for London Jon Lambe on 07534 821719
2. The London FBU regional committee is calling for:
- Immediate transparency on firefighter numbers, appliance availability and contingency plans.
- Ring-fenced funding for operational staffing, mental health and training.
- Full safety and equality impact assessments before implementing uniform or kit savings.
- Political scrutiny from City Hall and London MPs to hold the LFB to its CRMP and statutory duties.
- National government intervention to properly fund capital and pension pressures without cutting frontline services.
