Submitted by SWFBU on
Dear Brother/Sister
DORSET AND WILTSHIRE FIRE AUTHORITES EXPLORE MERGER OPTIONS
All members will be aware of the proposals agreed by Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Authorities to, as they put it, “work towards developing a business case for a potential merger in April 2016”. Since this announcement was made in December 2013, FBU Officials from both Services have been liaising closely, sharing relevant information and seeking the views and concerns of our members across the two affected areas.
An initial joint meeting of the FBU in Dorset and Wiltshire has been held, facilitated by the FBU South West Region, and a further series of meetings are now being put in place to build on this work. Initial concerns that have been raised include a lack of openness and transparency around the plans for the potential merger together with our deeply held concern that the sole motivation of the potential merger is being driven by central Government budget cuts. This is best exemplified by the short sighted and highly inflammatory proposal, motivated solely by cost cutting, to have a single Command and Control Centre for the two Services.
Against this background, FBU members have understandably raised their real concerns regarding this proposal. I want to reassure all Members that the FBU will be working together, across the two Services, in order to voice these concerns, demand answers and fight for the interests of Firefighters and Fire Control Staff, however this process develops.
I urge all members to attend your local FBU meetings to voice your concerns and have your say.
Yours sincerely,
T MCFARLANE
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBER
FBU SOUTH WEST
