The recent severe weather conditions and floods across Greater Manchester, in Salford, Rochdale, Littleborough, Bury, Manchester, and across the North West and elsewhere has highlighted the frontline role Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) plays in times of severe local and national crises.

GMFRS budgets have been cut by £28 million over the last five years resulting in the loss of 450 firefighter posts and 10 fire engines being taken off the run, as well as significantly cutting "back office" and management. This has left Greater Manchester stretched to the limit in terms of its resilience to be able to tackle local and national crises such as those which have taken place recently and to keep our communities safe.

The recent Comprehensive Spending Review announcement has meant a further cut to GMFRS of £15.8 million over the next 4 years which will seriously reduce further the resilience of GMFRS to be able to respond effectively to such crises in the future, which inevitably will put Greater Manchester residents, including Trafford residents, at further risk.

As the country's second largest fire and rescue service GMFRS plays a pivotal role in our local and national security and resilience, protecting homes and businesses, saving lives, and helping those in times of crises.

In light of the above Trafford MBC calls on the Government to reconsider their announcement to cut further GMFRS' budget at the level they propose, and consider offering similar protection to that rightly granted to the Police in the recent spending review, in recognition of the key role in local and national resilience provided by our superb fire and rescue service in Greater Manchester.

(Note: As Council representatives on the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, Councillor Acton who was also its Chair and Councillor Whetton, each declared a personal interest in this item and remained in the meeting during consideration of the matter.)

It was moved and seconded that:

“The recent severe weather conditions and floods across Greater Manchester, in Salford, Rochdale, Littleborough, Bury, Manchester, and across the North West and elsewhere has highlighted the frontline role Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) plays in times of severe local and national crises.

GMFRS budgets have been cut by £28 million over the last five years resulting in the loss of 450 firefighter posts and 10 fire engines being taken off the run, as well as significantly cutting "back office" and management. This has left Greater Manchester stretched to the limit in terms of its resilience to be able to tackle local and national crises such as those which have taken place recently and to keep our communities safe.

The recent Comprehensive Spending Review announcement has meant a further cut to GMFRS of £15.8 million over the next 4 years which will seriously reduce further the resilience of GMFRS to be able to respond effectively to such crises in the future, which inevitably will put Greater Manchester residents, including Trafford residents, at further risk.

As the country's second largest fire and rescue service GMFRS plays a pivotal role in our local and national security and resilience, protecting homes and businesses, saving lives, and helping those in times of crises.

In light of the above Trafford MBC calls on the Government to reconsider their announcement to cut further GMFRS' budget at the level they propose, and consider offering similar protection to that rightly granted to the Police in the recent spending review, in recognition of the key role in local and national resilience provided by our superb fire and rescue service in Greater Manchester.”

It was moved and seconded as an amendment that:

“Council recognises the vital role Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) plays in time of severe local and national emergency situations and places on record its appreciation for the front line role firefighters hold in keeping residents and businesses safe.

Since 2010, GMFRS has seen a reduction in Government grant funding of £28 million, and has responded locally by reducing the number of firefighter posts by 450, the number of fire engines by 10 and service efficiencies in back office and management costs.

The recent Comprehensive Spending Review announcement details a reduction, in core spending power available to GMFRS of £3.72 million over the next 4 four years, which may impact further the resilience of GMFRS to be able to respond effectively to emergency situations in the future. 

As the country's second largest fire and rescue service, GMFRS plays a pivotal role in our local and national security and resilience, protecting homes and businesses, saving lives, and helping those in times of crises.

Council notes the forthcoming governance changes to GMFRS to bring the service under the authority of the Elected Mayor which will help to ensure a co-ordinated and efficient blue light operation with other emergency services.

In light of the above, the Council calls on the Government to consider the consultation response from GMFRS, in recognition of the key role in local and national resilience provided by our superb fire and rescue service in Greater Manchester.”

Following a debate on the matter, the amendment was put to the vote and declared carried. The substantive Motion was then put to the vote and declared carried.

RESOLVED: That Council recognises the vital role Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) plays in time of severe local and national emergency situations and places on record its appreciation for the front line role firefighters hold in keeping residents and businesses safe.

Since 2010, GMFRS has seen a reduction in Government grant funding of £28 million, and has responded locally by reducing the number of firefighter posts by 450, the number of fire engines by 10 and service efficiencies in back office and management costs.

The recent Comprehensive Spending Review announcement details a reduction, in core spending power available to GMFRS of £3.72 million over the next 4 four years, which may impact further the resilience of GMFRS to be able to respond effectively to emergency situations in the future. 

As the country's second largest fire and rescue service, GMFRS plays a pivotal role in our local and national security and resilience, protecting homes and businesses, saving lives, and helping those in times of crises.

Council notes the forthcoming governance changes to GMFRS to bring the service under the authority of the Elected Mayor which will help to ensure a co-ordinated and efficient blue light operation with other emergency services.

In light of the above, the Council calls on the Government to consider the consultation response from GMFRS, in recognition of the key role in local and national resilience provided by our superb fire and rescue service in Greater Manchester.