Fire servicemay make cuts among top brass

FIRE service bosses are considering a plan to slim down senior management in a Yorkshire brigade to help deal with the looming Government cuts.

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority has already discussed options for the future of the senior management structure at the county’s fire and rescue service.

It is understood that plans, if adopted, could see the number of senior officers reduced in a move which could save the authority in excess of 300,000 a year.

Salary levels for senior managers in South Yorkshire, and other brigades, have soared way ahead of inflation in recent years, meaning that level of staff have become increasingly costly to finance.

Chairman of South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority Coun Jim Andrews said: “The public sector is facing unprecedented cuts in funding over the next four years. Fire and rescue authorities will not be exempt from such cuts.

“In awaiting the announcement of the Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review (October 20), the authority is acting responsibly by looking at a range of options which would enable us to reduce our costs whilst maintaining the high standards of service we provide to the public of South Yorkshire.

“A review of the service management structure is just one of the issues under consideration. This review is still ongoing and no decisions have been made.

“Our priority is the safety of the public of South Yorkshire and our determination to continue to provide them with an excellent Fire and Rescue Service.”

All fire services are expected to face harsh cuts as the Government tries to reduce the national deficit.