The head of Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service has issued a stark warning that frontline firefighting operations could be scaled back due to a severe and ongoing funding crisis.
Financial Pressure Threatens Frontline Response
Chief Fire Officer Jonathon Pryce told a full meeting of Worcestershire County Council on Thursday, 15 January, that the service is facing a budget shortfall of at least £1.2 million for the current year. This follows £1.2 million in cuts made the previous year, which he stated were achieved without directly affecting emergency response teams.
"The finances do not look good," Mr Pryce, a recent recipient of the King's Fire Service Medal, informed councillors. He explicitly warned that "some frontline services may have to change in the next year or two" if the financial situation does not improve.
Buildings in Disrepair and Reduced Community Work
The meeting also heard concerns from Droitwich councillor Dan Birch, who volunteers with the fire service. He highlighted necessary "remedial works" at several fire stations, including broken doors and gates in need of repair. Cllr Birch further noted that firefighters have significantly reduced their community engagement visits.
In response, CFO Pryce confirmed the service has no capital budget to maintain its 26 buildings, describing faulty doors as "low priority matters." He defended the condition of the estate, stating the majority of buildings are modern and well-kept.
On the topic of community visits, Mr Pryce described a difficult balancing act. He explained that while he generally encourages annual station open days, sending a crew to a local fete means they are not available to install smoke detectors in elderly residents' homes.
A Service "Hard Done By" and Rising Outdoor Fires
Mr Pryce argued that Hereford and Worcester is one of the most financially disadvantaged fire services in England, attributing this to lower-than-average population growth in the two counties. He agreed with Cllr Seb James that the service "shouldn't have to beg the Government for more money."
Councillors also raised the issue of a 160 percent increase in outdoor fires across Worcestershire in the past 12 months. The Chief Fire Officer acknowledged the "significant increase" over the dry summer, citing varied causes such as a major Bromsgrove blaze started by a bird colliding with a power line. He assured the council that these incidents were dealt with effectively.
The warnings paint a concerning picture of a critical emergency service being stretched ever thinner, with its leader indicating that the point where public safety is impacted is fast approaching.
