Andrew Dismore

The London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority today agreed to adopt the alternative budget proposals being developed by Labour London Assembly and Fire Authority member and Chair of Fire Resource Committee Andrew Dismore AM as its preferred option for the public consultation about to commence. (Watch opening speech here and summary remarks plus vote here)

Mr Dismore’s proposals avoid the need to cut 13 fire engines from the streets of London as recommended by Conservative Mayor Boris Johnson, through an alternative and fully costed package of measures which balance the books without such draconian cuts.

Mr Dismore said:

‘I am pleased that all the hard work and detailed scrutiny of every budget line has paid off with the Fire Authority adopting my plan. It avoids front line firefighting cuts, through a mixture of ‘alternate crewing’ some of our special vehicles, back room savings, and looking at ways we can increase our income, especially through our newly established trading company.

‘it is a pity the Conservative members of the Fire Authority could not back this plan and voted against it on party lines, but the majority of the Authority , including the Green and Liberal Democrat members, voted alongside Labour to agree it.

‘However, the decision ought to be for the people of London to make, and we are about to go to public consultation on the two options: the loss of 13 fire engines or the preferred alternative package that keeps them. I am confident that the people of London will accept my plan: it will then be for the Mayor to decide whether to accept that view or to overrule it and impose his will and cut fire engines anyway.

You can watch Mr Dismore’s speeches here: https://vimeo.com/147618403  https://vimeo.com/147620936