MPs' disappointment after ministerial meeting

6.00.00pm GMT Wed 21st Nov 2007

Following a meeting with the fire minister today, Cornish MPs have expressed their disappointment that the Government will not be taking action to address the current threat to fire cover in Cornwall.

The Minister, Parmjit Dhanda MP, said that he will not be providing any additional money to solve the historic inadequate funding from successive Conservative and Labour Governments. This is despite the unique geographical and seasonal pressures faced by fire services in the county.

Mr Dhanda acknowledged that Cornwall faces a unique set of circumstances but added that this is 'true of every area'. He admitted, however, that more needs to be done on the issue of retained firefighters and said that his Department are 'actively looking at the recruitment and retention' of these individuals, who play such a crucial role in protecting local communities.

Commenting, Julia Goldsworthy said:

"The meeting today was frustrating because, whilst the Minster was helpful in listening to our concerns, he didn't seem to recognise the additional costs associated with providing fire cover in rural areas.

"Given that the Government are not prepared to give Cornwall a fair deal on fire cover, we will now have to look again at the immediate funding issues facing the fire service. We will not give up on pressing the government for a fair deal but, in the meantime, given the immediacy and seriousness of the problems facing the fire service in Cornwall, we will need to reflect on whether we can find any other options for coping with this crisis."

Dan Rogerson MP added:

"It's astonishing that the Minister should so readily acknowledge the special circumstances we face only to shrug off the need for extra funding to meet our needs.

"Following representations from concerned constituents I also raised the issue of risk assessment procedures in private businesses such as hotels. Now that the fire service does not automatically inspect every business, the responsibility rests with the owners themselves.

"The Minister acknowledged that these new regulations must remain under review and undertook to work with the Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service to discuss how this is affecting premises in Cornwall."