Members’ Business: A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Fit for the Future

Maggie Chapman S6M-20218 That the Parliament recognises, and is grateful for, the work of the around 7,600 firefighters and support staff in the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), who help keep people and nature in the North East Scotland region and across the country safe; understands with concern that, since 2013, the SFRS resource budget has seen a real-terms cut, and that this has resulted in the loss of over 1,200 frontline firefighter posts, the withdrawal of appliances, and the stagnation of pay; believes that the SFRS needs a sustainable funding model to ensure that it can meet the challenges of the future, including the impact of the climate emergency; further believes that the Scottish Government must ensure that the SFRS has the resources it needs to protect communities and firefighters, and notes the calls for a funding settlement that allows for investment in the service, including in firefighter numbers, training, equipment and appliances. Further details available for S6M-20218