Fire Cover Nottinghamshire 2022-12-19
2022-12-19
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Nottinghamshire and City of Nottingham Fire Authority has cut firefighter numbers by 11% since 2016 despite similar funding compared to other fire services.
Whether she has made an assessment of the adequacy of fire cover in Nottinghamshire given that the authority has reduced firefighter numbers while maintaining comparable funding levels.
The level of fire cover in Nottinghamshire is a matter for the Nottinghamshire and City of Nottingham Fire Authority, but I observe that despite Labour's cuts to firefighter numbers by 11% since 2016, the funding settlement was about the same as other services with only a 1.6% reduction nationally.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide an assessment of fire cover adequacy but discussed Labour's cuts and national comparatives
Discussed Local Authority Actions Instead Of Addressing The Adequacy Of Current Fire Cover
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Nottinghamshire and City of Nottingham Fire Authority is proposing to cut night shift at West Bridgford fire station despite higher call-out rates, leaving Rushcliffe without full-time cover. Funding increased by 5.2% this year.
What options do Members of Parliament have to challenge the decision-making of local fire authorities when clear that they are letting down constituents and firefighters?
Concerns raised can be addressed with the inspectorate and considered during future inspections, or through periodic accountability to voters via ballot box as representatives are elected officials.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific mechanisms for challenging decisions but mentioned general processes
Referenced Existing Frameworks Without Concrete Steps
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service staff work in increasingly difficult circumstances due to funding issues, despite well-led service.
Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service would like to meet the Minister to discuss their challenges, particularly regarding funding. Will he take a meeting with them and local MPs?
Yes, I would be very happy to meet the hon. Member and his colleagues from Nottinghamshire early in the new year to discuss this issue. The current year saw a 5.2% funding increase for Nottinghamshire fire services, with more good news expected when full settlement is published tomorrow.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy