Latest news with #StuartStevens
STV News
25-06-2025
- General
- STV News
Fire service cuts and station closures could cost lives, says union
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has warned that closing up to a dozen stations in Scotland could 'cost lives'. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Services (SFRS) is proposing to close up to 13 stations and introduce new arrangements for night and weekend cover. Five city fire stations – two in Edinburgh, two in Glasgow and one in Dundee – had been identified as potential closures or mergers because of low demand, or because they are close to other facilities that SFRS said could provide effective cover. The service set out 23 different options for change across Scotland, which it says is needed to match staff, stations and resources to 'operational risk and demand'. The proposals, which cover 14 different local authorities and involve more than 30 fire stations, also include plans to repair or rebuild stations in some areas. Some staff and vehicles could also be transferred to 'more effective' locations. The service said eight stations slated for closure have been 'long-dormant' due to recruitment difficulties for on-call firefighters in rural locations. Proposals also include implementing a daily shift pattern for firefighters in some areas, supported by on-call firefighters outwith these times. The creation of a 'nucleus crew' in two locations – Galashiels in the Scottish Borders and Lesmahagow in South Lanarkshire – is also being proposed which could be deployed 'tactically'. Permanent solutions are also being proposed following the temporary withdrawal of ten appliances in 2023, including in Perth and Kinross, Fife, Lanarkshire, Inverclyde and Glasgow. The consultation will remain open for 12 weeks, with the SFRS saying it wants 'as many people as possible' to submit their views on the proposed changes. The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) says the service is 'already on its knees' after a decade of what it calls real-terms cuts. FBU Scottish secretary John McKenzie said: 'Our members and the Scottish public have suffered more than enough cuts to the fire service. 'For over a decade, real-terms budget cuts have increased risks to public safety, with firefighter numbers slashed and response times increasing as a result. 'The service is already on its knees because of these cuts. That has led to increases in response times and when this time is lost, tragically lives will also be lost. 'This is unacceptable and any proposals to further compromise our service and public safety must be rejected. 'What we need instead is more, not less, investment that takes into account new and emerging threats that our services and our members are having to deal with on a day-to-day basis. 'We need funding that enhances and improves public safety rather than worsening it.' The SFRS said any changes would only be made if they ensured safety. Stuart Stevens, SFRS chief officer, said: 'I absolutely recognise the concerns that people will have because these are significant changes that we're proposing, but let me be clear – any changes we will make will only be done if it ensures the safety of the community of Scotland. 'This is a really important step for the organisation to make sure that the service is fit for Scotland's future.' The Scottish Government's community safety minister Siobhian Brown said: 'The emergencies the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) responds to have changed, with fewer house fires and more wildfire and flooding incidents. 'It is right, then, that the service considers how to adapt to the changing risks to remain effective and efficient, with firefighters in the right place at the right time to ensure people and communities are protected.' She urged people to take part in the consultation 'so their voices are heard', but stressed: 'As ever, keeping communities safe will remain the SFRS's top priority, supported by substantial year-on-year budget increases from the Scottish Government.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Daily Record
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Cuts to the fire service in Scotland could cost lives, says union
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is proposing the closure of up to 13 stations, new arrangements for night and weekend cover at others and the permanent withdrawal of 10 appliances nationwide. The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) says wide-ranging changes to the fire service in Scotland could cost lives. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is proposing the closure of up to 13 stations, new arrangements for night and weekend cover at others and the permanent withdrawal of 10 appliances nationwide. Five stations in Dundee, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Musselburgh could be shut down or merged. The 23 options, which were published on Wednesday, involve more than 30 fire stations in 14 local authority areas - and the service has warned that more change is likely in years to come. Senior officers have insisted that public safety will not be compromised - but the FBU has spoken out against the proposals saying the service is "already on its knees" after a decade of "real-terms cuts". FBU Scottish secretary, John McKenzie said: 'Our members and the Scottish public have suffered more than enough cuts to the fire service. 'For over a decade, real-terms budget cuts have increased risks to public safety, with firefighter numbers slashed and response times increasing as a result. The service is already on its knees because of these cuts. That has led to increases in response times and when this time is lost, tragically lives will also be lost. 'This is unacceptable and any proposals to further compromise our service and public safety must be rejected. What we need instead is more, not less, investment that takes into account new and emerging threats that our services and our members are having to deal with on a day-to-day basis. We need funding that enhances and improves public safety rather than worsening it.' In all, the SFRS has set out 23 different options for change across the fire service in Scotland, which it says is needed to match staff, stations and resources to 'operational risk and demand' across the country. The proposals also include plans to repair or rebuild stations in some areas, and transfer some staff and vehicles to 'more effective' locations. The consultation will remain open for 12 weeks, with the SFRS saying it wants 'as many people as possible' to submit their views on the proposed changes. Chief officer Stuart Stevens said: 'We have an opportunity for the first time since our national service was formed in 2013 to review how we provide our emergency service every minute of the day, every day of the year. Building a modern fire and rescue service that is fit for purpose is the reason we are bringing these proposed changes forward. 'We recognise that these 23 options represent a significant level of change. However, we have a duty to ensure that the right resources are in the right locations to meet new risks that exist within today's communities. 'We also need to spend public money wisely. We have a backlog of repairs in our buildings, fleet and equipment that would cost more than £800 million to address and this just isn't an option available to our service. 'Therefore, along with the need for sustained investment, we need to consider how we operate and reduce running costs for assets that are not serving our staff or communities. We must also be able to adapt to meet current and future risks, such as those posed by extreme weather events or wildfires.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The service said eight of the fire stations slated for closure have been 'long-dormant' due to recruitment difficulties for on-call firefighters in rural locations. Meanwhile, the five city fire stations had been identified as potential closures or mergers because of low demand, or because they are close to other facilities that SFRS said could provide effective cover. The proposals also include the implementation of a daily shift pattern for firefighters in some areas, which would see full-time staff work from 8am-6pm, supported by on-call firefighters outwith these times. They would be assisted by the creation of a 'nucleus crew' in two locations – Galashiels in the Scottish Borders and Lesmahagow in South Lanarkshire – which could be deployed 'tactically' across an area as required. Permanent solutions are also being proposed following the temporary withdrawal of 10 appliances in 2023, including in Perth & Kinross, Fife, Lanarkshire, Inverclyde and Glasgow. Mr Stevens added: 'These options have been developed over many months involving staff, trade union representatives and other stakeholders. There will be a 12-week period to give people time to submit their views on the changes. We would encourage as many people as possible to participate in public consultation process.' Community safety minister Siobhian Brown said: 'The emergencies the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) responds to have changed, with fewer house fires and more wildfire and flooding incidents. 'It is right, then, that the service considers how to adapt to the changing risks to remain effective and efficient, with firefighters in the right place at the right time to ensure people and communities are protected.' She urged people to take part in the consultation 'so their voices are heard', but stressed: 'As ever, keeping communities safe will remain the SFRS's top priority, supported by substantial year-on-year budget increases from the Scottish Government.'
BBC News
24-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Scottish fire service cuts could cost lives, says union
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) is claiming that wide-ranging changes to the fire service in Scotland could cost lives, despite assurances from senior officers that public safety will not be Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is proposing the closure of up to 13 stations, new arrangements for night and weekend cover at others and the permanent withdrawal of 10 appliances stations in Dundee, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Musselburgh could be shut down or 23 options, being published on Wednesday, involve more than 30 fire stations in 14 local authority areas, and the service has warned that more change is likely in years to come. The FBU says the service is "already on its knees" after a decade of what it calls real-terms SFRS chief officer Stuart Stevens said: "I absolutely recognise the concerns that people will have because these are significant changes that we're proposing, but let me be clear - any changes we will make will only be done if it ensures the safety of the community of Scotland."This is a really important step for the organisation to make sure that the service is fit for Scotland's future."The service says final decisions will be based on a statistical study of operational risk and fires have fallen to an all-time low and over the last two decades, deaths caused by fire have fallen from 89 to 42. The casualty rate has also dropped from 1,951 to contrast, firefighters are dealing with more floods, wildfires and also means some stations are in locations where they are no longer options include plans to repair or rebuild some stations, and to transfer staff and appliances to other part-time stations which have not been fully operational for years could also close for good. How should the fire service operate? Chief officer Stevens says the SFRS has an £800m backlog for repairs in its buildings, fleet and Scottish government has increased the SFRS capital budget to £47m but he says £60m a year is needed to resolve issues with the fleet and argues that the service has to reduce running costs and review the way it operates, placing a greater emphasis on prevention."This organisation requires substantial, sustainable change in order for us to continue to deliver for the people of Scotland and prepare Scotland for the future challenges that it faces," he said. The proposals involve the permanent removal of 10 appliances which were temporarily withdrawn two years ago, resulting in a reduction of 166 firefighter Fire Brigade Union says that is in addition to the loss of 1,200 firefighters' jobs since the single national service was created in says it also "resoundingly rejects" proposals to change shift patterns at some would involve some appliances having full-time crews from Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 18:00, and-on call crews outside those Scottish secretary John McKenzie said: "Our members and the Scottish public have suffered more than enough cuts to the fire service."For over a decade real-terms budget cuts have increased risks to public safety, with firefighter numbers slashed and response times increasing as a result."The service is already on its knees because of these cuts. That has led to increases in response times and when this time is lost, tragically lives will also be lost."The FBU does support some of the changes put forward in the review, but says the service needs more investment to take account of "new and emerging threats."Chief officer Stevens said the temporary removal of the 10 appliances in 2023 had had "no detrimental effect on community outcomes."On response times, he urged caution over how they should be interpreted and said the service had invested £30m on a new command and control system."The point at which a fire starts and the point in which it's discovered is the most important part in determining the outcome of a fire," he argued."That's why we believe that investment in prevention is the key to this." How will remote communities be affected? There is not a community in Scotland that will welcome changes to its fire cover, and the closure or downgrading of stations in places such as Balmossie in Dundee will be opposed by local people and Fetlar, one of the North Isles of Shetland, the fire station hasn't been in use for years because of a lack of local volunteers who are willing or physically able to meet the service's fitness requirements for on-call Bellis, secretary of Fetlar Community Association, says a third of the island's population of 56 is over the age of 65 and only two are their says the Scottish Ambulance Service allows four local people to act as first responders, using an ambulance on the island and providing medical assistance."We'd like something similar for the fire service," she said."We appreciate fire is very different, you could be dealing with very dangerous situations, but it would be helpful if the fire service could come up with some sort of similar model for remote island communities."Under the review, Fetlar is designated as a "long-term dormant" station, unused for up to 10 years or more, along with seven others in Crianlarich, Nethy Bridge, Ratagan, the Isle of Muck, Colintraive, Corriecravie on Arran and the Isle of are proposed for closure under the options which will now go out for public consultation for 12 weeks.
