Lib Dems slam Labour’s Merseyside fire cuts

Liberal Democrats have called on Merseyside’s Labour MPs and council leaders to stand up to the Government, after Merseyside Fire Service was hit with a £650,000 funding cut.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) has been hit with a double whammy from Labour chancellor Rachel Reaves, leaving Merseyside’s council tax payers to foot the bill with a 5% council tax rise.

Fire chiefs, who had been expecting a 2% increase in government funding this year, were shocked to be told they will receive £175,000 less than last year.

To make things worse, Labour’s increase in Employers National Insurance increase will cost the fire service £1 Million a year. At the October budget, Rachel Reaves promised the public sector would be protected from this increase. Instead, MFRS have received just £425,000 in compensation – leaving the fire service £575,000 short.

Lib Dem councillor Andrew Makinson, who represents Liverpool on Merseyside Fire & Rescue Authority said, “It is shocking that one of the first acts of this Labour government has been to slash funding to our fire and rescue service.”

“Even more shocking is the deafening silence from Merseyside’s Labour politicians who, 12 months ago, would’ve been screaming in protest and banging on the door of the Tory government.”

“If we don’t kick up a fuss, I worry that Merseyside will be seen as an easy target for further cuts next year.”

“I have called on all parties and all of Merseyside’s MPs to put pressure on the Labour government, and make clear that Merseyside has had enough of funding cuts to our fire service by successive governments since 2005.”