PA
All 46 fire and rescue services in England could be sold off to private firms under secret Government plans.
Local government minister Brandon Lewis calls for new laws that “would enable fire and rescue authorities in England to contract out their full range of services to a suitable provider” in a letter obtained by the Mirror.
He continues: “I appreciate that the proposals are not without controversy; however these changes will help remove barriers and to increase choices that fire and rescue authorities have to contract out their services.”
Labour last night hit out at the proposal. MP John Healey said: “This is a privatisation too far.
"Fire and rescue is an essential public service which we all depend on for our safety, and our lives.
"Firefighting is a no-go area for privatisation. The first and last concern of our fire services must be public protection not company profit.”
The Government is already considering handing over Cleveland Fire and Rescue service to a mutually-run company.
In the letter sent last month to the Regulatory Reform committee, which looks at planned legislation, Mr Lewis says authorities could be handed to a private firm or, as in Cleveland’s case, a “public service mutual.”
He adds: “Fire and Rescue authorities should be able to adopt alternative models for the delivery, under contract, for some or all of their services.
"Certain provisions in existing legislation preclude some services from being delivered by alternative providers.”
England’s 28,245 firefighters could end up with weaker pension and employment rights should the changes be rubber-stamped.
Mr Lewis announced in December the £20million sale of the Fire Service College to the private sector, with Capita named as preferred bidder.
Mr Healey added: “Ministers are already selling the national college to Capita. Now they are opening the door to wholesale privatisation of fire services. The Olympics security fiasco showed private firms often cost more and deliver less than promised when they take over public services.”
Matt Wrack, General Secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, said last night: “This is staggering and outrageous.
"It will put lives at risk as emergency services are run on a whim as private companies and their need for profit will come first.
“We have seen how the public lose out in other privatisations, such as rail, but for emergency services it is even more grotesque as we are there to save lives and property.”
The Fire Officers Association also voiced alarm.
A spokesman said: “Staff are extremely concerned it would not only lead to worse terms and conditions but prove to be the stepping stone towards the eventual privatisation of an essential emergency service.”
A Department for Communities and Local Government spokesman said: “We are keen to work with local authorities and staff to explore the scope for employee-led mutuals where there is local support and backing.”
