Fire Union Demands Action After Floods

The Fire Brigades Union has demanded a major overhaul of flood response funding after crews in Leicestershire rescued over 50 people during this week’s severe floods.

It says the situation should act as a ‘wake up call’ for Ministers after crews were deployed in many areas, including Great Glen.

Unlike the rest of the UK, fire and rescue services in England do not have a statutory duty to respond to flooding, meaning central government does not provide additional funding for it.

Fire crews carry out a rescue from Crow Mills, South Wigston

The FBU wrote to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper in November, calling for the UK to be made resilient to flooding with a statutory duty and investment.

Matt Wrack, Fire Brigade Union general secretary said: “Firefighters continue to work tirelessly to save lives and protect communities from devastating flooding. Our thoughts are with all those affected.

“Leicestershire firefighters performed an extraordinary feat by rescuing 59 people in one day. This major incident must be a wake-up call for the government.

“With fire and rescue services severely overstretched after years of cuts, it is high time that the vital role firefighters play in flood response is formally recognised and fully funded.

“To ensure we are prepared for future floods, ministers must act now to implement a statutory duty for fire and rescue services in England with the funding and resources urgently needed.”