Fire Services: North-east England

Asked Liz Twist if she agreed that risk should be examined as an important factor in determining funding for Cleveland Fire Brigade, given Teesside's high fire risk compared to the formula used for income determination. Mr Cunningham highlighted issues with fire funding in Cleveland, stating it is the worst funded area. He emphasized that the current formula does not consider deprivation adequately. In an intervention, Alex Cunningham points out that there were 494 full-time firefighters in Cleveland Fire Authority in 2010 but only 330 now, a reduction of 33%. He agrees with Grahame Morris's sentiment and calls on the Minister to make changes. He pointed out that the Cleveland fire and rescue service faces an inflationary pressure of £145 million, with no room for further cuts, leading to a risk either way: public safety or financial collapse of the authority.

Grahame Morris congratulates the MP for Washington and Sunderland West on securing the debate. He criticises the Government's rhetoric of a northern powerhouse or levelling up, stating that it is accompanied by higher taxes and cuts to services in the north-east. Morris highlights that County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service has lost £10 million in funding over 12 years when adjusted for inflation. He suggests replacing council tax with a proportional property tax based on wealth and ability to pay.

Morale among fire service workers is low due to cuts of up to 30% since 2010, station closures, and the loss of 11,500 frontline firefighters. Wages are £4,000 lower in real terms than over a decade ago, with an offered pay increase of 5% being described as insulting given current inflation rates.

Cleveland Fire Authority faces challenges with high hazard areas, including an industrial cluster, numerous power stations, and severe deprivation leading to a tenfold increase in deliberate property fires compared to the national average. Despite this, firefighters maintain a seven-minute response time despite a 33% reduction in full-time firefighters due to disproportionate funding.

County Durham Fire and Rescue Service is highly efficient but faces financial strain due to reduced central government grants. A 1% increase in council tax would not raise enough funds given the high proportion of band A properties, making a 5% increase unfair and insufficient to solve the funding gap. The Government took the deliberate decision to cut central government funding for fire services and push responsibility on to local taxpayers, affecting council tax and fire services since 2010.

Commended the firefighters working at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, highlighting two major fires in her constituency: one at Shee Recycling in Birtley with environmental hazards, and another summer fire. Mentioned budget reductions leading to the loss of a pump in Swalwell and proposed cuts to night cover in Birtley.

Discussed the impact of cost-of-living crisis on firefighters' salaries and financial pressures faced by the fire service in her constituency, advocating for a 5% funded pay rise to prevent budget deficits. Highlighted national cuts to funding and staff since 2010, leading to fewer firefighters and slower response times.

Paid tribute to Cleveland Fire Brigade for their commitment and bravery, highlighting the financial challenges faced by the brigade due to low council tax base and unique pressures such as arson, heavy industry risks, and chemical sector hazards. Called for a meeting with the Minister to address funding issues.

The son of a former County Durham senior fire officer, Paul Howell acknowledges the hard work of the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service. He highlights that the service is facing financial pressures due to inflation and staff demands, with a potential budget deficit next year. Arson, particularly vehicle arson, places heavy demand on his local area in Sedgefield. Howell suggests increasing funding by 3% or finding ways to alleviate cost pressure through changes in capital expenditure.

The County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service is recognised nationally for its high performance but faces serious funding challenges, with two thirds of its budget coming from local council tax. A 1% increase in council tax would raise only £190,000, insufficient to cover rising costs such as pay awards and inflation.

She highlighted the impact of arson in communities and the need for fairer funding. She mentioned a rise in fire service call-outs and fires, and criticised the Government's failure to implement recommendations from the Grenfell inquiry. She also pointed out that firefighters are facing real terms pay cuts and that over 11,000 firefighters have been lost since 2010. She praised the work to send fire services and support to Ukraine but highlighted that some equipment was too old to be sent there.