Following the release of the Delegated Decision Report issued last week, this in from the Fire Brigades Union. Ed
Fire Brigades Union Officials have strongly condemned the release of the Delegated Decision Report, issued on Friday 15th April, which recommends the outsourcing of the answering of emergency fire calls to Surrey Fire and Rescue Service’s control room in Reigate.
The decision would see Island council tax payers paying £216,000 for emergency 999 calls being answered by Surrey Fire and Rescue Service some 70 miles from the Island with the loss of vital local knowledge.
Bank holidays affect councillor consultation period
The paper invites comments from Councillors over a ten day period; however, with two weekends and two Bank Holidays in this period there are effectively only four working days to comment on the dangerous proposal.
The very people put at risk by the recommended decision, Island residents, businesses and visitors, are denied the chance to respond or comment on the report.
Pete Mawhood, Chair of the Isle of Wight FBU said “It is appalling and concerning that such a critical decision which could adversely affect public and fireighter safety is being forced through without meaningful dialogue with Island resident’s, businesses, visitors and the FBU.
Delay the decision
He added an invitation to the Cabinet Member for Fire and Community Safety, Councillor Barry Abraham, to delay the decision until such time as a meaningful meeting can take place between himself and the FBU over their concerns about the plans and the inaccurate report that the recommendation is based upon.
