Easington MP Grahame Morris has condemned government proposals to allow fire services to be privatised.
A letter from Fire Minister Brandon Lewis to the chair of the House of Commons Regulatory Reform Committee has revealed that the government is set to put forward proposals “that would enable fire and rescue authorities in England to contract out their full range of services to a suitable provider.”
This would mean that 365 fire-fighters and 15 fire stations could be employed and run by a private company in County Durham.
The Minister is seeking to push the changes through the little-known Regulatory Reform Committee, avoiding full Parliamentary scrutiny.
Commenting on the revelations, Grahame Morris MP said:
“I resolutely oppose the government’s plans to allow fire services to be sold off. Local people need to have confidence that fire-fighting in our area is being run for public protection, not company profit.
“Fire and rescue is an essential service which we all depend on for our safety and sometimes our lives. This letter shows the huge risks that Ministers are preparing to take with this vital public service.
“Our experience with the Olympics was a forceful lesson that private firms often cost more and deliver less than promised when they bid to take over public services. I will be making my voice heard to campaign for a fire service that puts the public first.”
Grahame Morris MP
