VB readers will remember that last month, Cabinet member for Fire, Culture & Residents’ Services, Cllr Barry Abraham, made the delegated decision to move the fire control centre away from the Isle of Wight.
The proposal, as part of the modernisation of the fire service, is for the control centre to be manned by Surrey Fire & Rescue Service.
Labour councillor, Geoff Lumley, indicated at last month’s Annual meeting that the subject of the move would be debated in the chamber again soon and following the release of the next meeting’s agenda, we now see why.
The Fire Brigade Union condemned the delegated decision to move the control centre with Chair of the union, Pete Mawhood, saying, “It’s appalling and concerning that such a critical decision which could adversely affect public and firefighter safety is being forced through without meaningful dialogue with Island resident’s, businesses, visitors and the FBU.”
Motion to reverse decision
Cllr Lumley, with the support of eleven other councillors, has submitted a motion for discussion at the full council meeting on 15th June.
It reads
Council resolves, in the light of increasing public concern, to reverse the 2011 Budget decision and subsequent delegated decision (15/11) to transfer the Isle of Wight Fire Control service to Surrey Fire and Rescue Service. Further it agrees that any future alternative provision of this service must be Island based.
Debate and vote
By adding the motion to the agenda, the full council will be required to debate and vote on the motion at the next meeting.
We’re not sure whether it will result in a named vote, but we’ll be reporting live to ensure that VB readers are aware of exactly which councillors vote for the control centre to be moved off the Island.
