Paula Sherriff, MP for Dewsbury, Mirfield, Denby Dale and Kirkburton, has called on the government to take action to prevent the downgrading of West Yorkshire Fire Service’s capacity to keep the public safe.

Since 2010, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue service has seen a real-terms cut to spending of more than 30% and lost more than a third of its staff – including 582 firefighters.

In a letter to Nick Hurd MP, Minister of State for Policing and the Fire Services, Miss Sherriff has raised concerns about reduced staffing and continued budget cuts impacting on the resilience of the service in West Yorkshire.

Miss Sherriff added;

“Sustained cuts are dangerous and put the safety of local people as well as firefighters themselves at increased risk.

“After meeting with Chief Fire Officer, John Roberts, and hearing the extent of the financial challenge they face, I’ve written to the minister to highlight the budget pressures and financial uncertainty his government have created.

“The Conservative government cannot go on cutting our public services to the bone as they have done for the past eight years without consequences being felt.

“If austerity is truly over, the government will take action and commit to long term and sustainable funding levels that ensure public safety.”