Gloucestershire Fire Service £1.3m cuts

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue is to make £1.3m cuts over the next three years, despite safety concerns raised by the Fire Brigades Union. Approval has been given by the county council, which is the fire authority for the service. The union believes resources will be taken away from the front line as crews will be asked to carry out first aid for casualties until paramedics arrive.

The council has said the plan is welcomed by the public and fire staff. A public consultation was held from October to January before the plans were approved. Cabinet member for communities Will Windsor-Clive said: "It was very clear that the majority of people understood the need to make some operational changes to our already excellent fire service which will make it more responsive, efficient and continue to support people when they are in need of rescue."

The finalised Integrated Risk Management Plan will be published at the end of March.