DEVON FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE FUNDING

Early day motion 522, tabled 2 February 2004 by Nick Harvey (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 9 members.

That this House notes that Devon Fire and Rescue Service will levy its own precept for 2004-05 for the first time, and so be unable to turn to local authorities for financial support as in the past; notes that Devon's service receives Government funding at below tha national average per capita; is aware of the threat by the Government to using capping powers to limit the Devon service to a five per cent. increase in the precept for 2004-05; is alarmed by the estimate of Devon's Chief Fire Officer that a five per cent. increase would result in a funding shortfall of ú2.3 million; recognises that such a shortfall would inevitably have an adverse impact on frontline services, fire stations, fire fighters and fire engines; protests that such cuts in service are unacceptable to the people of Devon and imperil their safety, and demands that the Government take the necessary financial steps to prevent this shortfall occurring.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 7, DUP 2.