Meeting of the Parliament 20 January 2016
The final item of business today is a members’ business debate on motion S4M-15036, in the name of David Stewart, on protecting front-line fire and rescue services. The debate will be concluded without any question being put.
Motion debated,
That the Parliament notes the reports that the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has said that it is “gravely concerned” that budget cuts will continue to impact on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service budget and have a detrimental effect on 999 response times and the vital lifesaving service that firefighters provide; notes claims that 300 fewer firefighters are on duty since the national service was created in 2013; understands that reassurance was given by ministers that the establishment of a single fire and rescue service would not result in reductions to frontline services; notes the FBU’s concern at the “unrelenting pressure” to save money, which, it is claimed, is “impacting on the delivery of frontline services”; considers that the job that firefighters and support staff carry out is invaluable to communities throughout the Highlands and Islands and across Scotland; condemns what it sees as the Scottish Government’s underfunding of the service, and notes calls for ministers to take immediate steps to protect the future of frontline firefighters and the service’s support staff.
17:09Motions, questions or amendments mentioned by their reference code.