Londoners are being asked to share their views on two proposed budgets for the capital’s fire brigade.
The London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority, which oversees the brigade, needs to make £6.4m of savings in the next financial year but members of the authority are divided on how to achieve this.
Some members back a proposal drawn up by fire Commissioner Ron Dobson to axe 13 fire engines which have spent most of the past 2 years in storage so they can be used by private contractors covering strikes.
But a majority of Authority members favour an alternative option which would retain the engines and return them to the frontline. To achieve the necessary savings this option includes a move to ‘alternative crewing’ where one team move between different vehicles and appliances.
Both options are now subject to a public consultation which runs until February 1st and includes a series of public meetings across London and online. Individual responses can also be submitted via LFEPA’s website.
Authority Chairman Gareth Bacon said: “The consultation is a chance for Londoners to have their say on our budget proposals and how the authority can save £6.4m.
“Over the next eight weeks we’ll be holding public meetings and talking to a variety of stakeholders to get their opinions.
“If you want your voice heard I urge everyone to visit our website and tell us what they think.”
