£389m fire black hole ‘risks lives’
Labour claim as huge funding gap is revealed
LIVES could be put at risk because of a £389million funding gap at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, it was claimed yesterday.
The huge maintenance backlog is revealed in a report which will be released today by public spending body Audit Scotland.
The independent watchdogs said the risk of vehicle breakdowns will increase “significantly” if spending levels remain the same.
The report also raises concerns about keeping retained and volunteer firefighters in rural areas.
An average of 20 leave every month and Audit Scotland warn the system is “no longer fit for purpose”.
Scottish Labour justice spokesman Daniel Johnson said: “The fact that the situation is so bad that fire engines may not even be able to run is a national scandal that could put lives at risk.
“The failure to recruit and retain firefighters, particularly in rural areas, is also of grave concern.
“Ministers must urgently explain how they are going to bridge this funding gap and give our brave firefighters the support they need and deserve.”
The SNP Government said they are spending more money on the fire service.
Community safety minister Annabelle Ewing added: “The SFRS inherited a substantial capital backlog from the eight legacy services and the Scottish Government continue to work closely with the service to identify and provide the capital funding they need for buildings, fleet and equipment.
“This investment, coupled with service transformation, will ensure that communities across Scotland remain protected from emerging risks and threats.”
Despite the warnings, Audit Scotland said the fire service demonstrated “strong financial management”.
SFRS chief officer Alasdair Hay said: “This report recognises our commitment to putting in place the necessary operational, governance and financial foundations that will enable us to transform the service to do so much more for the people of Scotland.
“We recognise the areas for improvement highlighted in the report. Each of these are being prioritised and we will address the recommendations set out by Audit Scotland.”