Mark Garnier, Wyre Forest’s MP, expresses his relief after H&W received what has been described by Mark Yates, Chief Fire Officer for the Authority as a “favourable settlement” from the local government. The settlement sets out a 2.4% reduction in grant to the local authority followed by a 1.7% increase in 2012/13.
Following the announcement Mr Yates, said he remains “optimistic about the future” but stressed the need for providing services in “a more efficient manner”.
Mark Garnier, along with other Herefordshire and Worcestershire MPs, met with Mark Yates in November to help Lobby local government minister Bob Neill. Mark Garnier said: “Mark Yates gave a very strong presentation on why H&W Fire Authority was a special case, demonstrating a highly efficient yet lowly funded organisation. I was pleased and willing to support his appeal and it is excellent news that we have been listened to."
Mark Garnier also met with local fire fighters in November when they lobbied Parliament over proposed cuts. “I was pleased to be able to tell them what we are doing on their behalf in Westminster” said Mark Garnier. “I have always been in admiration of their dedication and bravery and so the unions were always going to pushing an open door when it comes to my support of them. They were very welcome indeed, but their cause was already well under way when it comes to Herefordshire and Worcestershire. It is excellent news that the Fire Authority does not expect front-line reductions as a result of this settlement.”
Mark Garnier also expressed his relief that, following the abandonment of the Regional Control Centre project, Hereford and Worcestershire Fire and Rescue Authority will not be moving to Wolverhampton as previously proposed.
Plans for the Regional Control Centre project would have seen H&W’s call receipt, handling, mobilising and command and control functions being transferred to Wolverhampton from their current location in Worcester. Mark says: “I feel that staying in Worcester is positive for the Authority as it maintains stability for the staff employed in the region.”