The Fire Brigade Union criticized Buckinghamshire Fire Service for their handling of an independent report that recommended improvements.
The union charged that those holding senior positions in the fire service were “asleep at the wheel” in a statement.
The union criticized decision-makers after they partially redacted the first meeting held following the report.
On October 19th, the report from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services indicated a need for overall improvement in the fire service.
Milton Keynes and Bucks fire service received an inadequate rating in one section and the second-lowest grade in other categories.
Last week, the fire bosses partially released a meeting to the public on YouTube for legal reasons.
The BBC reported that HMICFRS inspector Roy Wilsher, who authored the report, attended the meeting.
The union expressed disapproval of the decision, arguing that the information should be disclosed as the emergency response unit’s operation is vital for public safety.
The Fire Brigades Union stated that the service receives one of the lowest levels of funding in the country.
Steve Wright, a member of the Fire Brigades Union southern region executive council, declared, “Officials officially found Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service inadequate in protecting the public.
“Senior management has hollowed out the service. Instead of resisting severe budget cuts, top officials have neglected their responsibilities.
“Despite the HMICFRS report released over a week ago, all we have seen in response is a lack of leadership.
“The state of our fire service is a matter of public and firefighter safety. We need urgent investment and action, but all we’re getting is a chaotic cover up. Firefighters won’t sit by as our service is run into the ground.”
Despite many positives, the service has not progressed sufficiently since the last HMICFRS report.
The Authority will seek clear plans and targeted action to hold the service accountable for urgently addressing the areas highlighted.
Source: Bucks Herald
