Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Fire Cover: Nottinghamshire

Monday 19 December 2022 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ruth Edwards questioned the adequacy of fire cover in Nottinghamshire due to a reduction in firefighter numbers.
  • Ruth Edwards inquired about options for MPs to challenge local fire authority decisions.
  • Alex Norris requested a meeting for the Minister to discuss funding challenges with Nottinghamshire MPs.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ruth Edwards
Policing & Resources
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.

Question

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.

Answer from Chris Philp

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide an assessment of fire cover adequacy but discussed Labour's cuts and national comparatives

How: Discussed Local Authority Actions Instead Of Addressing The Adequacy Of Current Fire Cover

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Q2 Ruth Edwards
Policing & Resources Crime & Law Enforcement
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Chris Philp

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific mechanisms for challenging decisions but mentioned general processes

How: Referenced Existing Frameworks Without Concrete Steps

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Q3 Alex Norris Labour (Co-op) Nottingham North and Kimberley
Policing & Resources Crime & Law Enforcement Local Government
Context

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service staff work in increasingly difficult circumstances due to funding issues, despite well-led service.

Question

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?

Answer from Chris Philp

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.

Answered
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