The Fire Brigades Union has responded to Reeve's budget announced today, describing it as a continuation of austerity, with "significant gaps" in public sector funding and a wealth tax needed to tackle the cost of living crisis.
Fire Brigades Union general secretary Steve Wright comments on the Budget delivered by Chancellor Rachel Reeves:
Firefighters, like all public sector workers, have waited years for a Budget that starts to turn the page on austerity. Although there are steps in the right direction, significant gaps remain that must be addressed if our public services are to be rebuilt.
The increase in the statutory minimum wage is welcome and will help many low-paid workers. However, we had hoped to see more action to boost pay across the board, reflecting Labour Party conference policy and the reality of the cost of living. Lifting the two-child benefit cap is long-overdue commitment to addressing child poverty.
However, without meaningful action on taxing extreme wealth, this Budget does not yet provide secure, long-term investment or break with austerity.
The fire service will continue to face huge pressure and the risk of further cuts, including fire station closures, cuts to numbers and continued real-terms pay cuts for firefighters.
As an affiliated union, we will continue to work with the Labour government. But, under my leadership, we will stand firm in pressing for the investment our service urgently requires to keep our communities safe.”
