The work you’re doing is vitally important,” Chris Philp MP, Minister of State for Crime, Policing and Fire, told delegates over a disrupted video message. He explained that since his appointment four months ago he had listened to all partners and thanked delegates for the consultation on fire reform. It is another important year for fire, he said, with phase two of the Grenfell inquiry and the government’s long-awaited response to the fire reform consultation expected. The prospect of industrial action had captured most of his recent attention, he informed, and expressed pleasant surprise that it was avoided.

“Back in November, we made sure we got as much money as possible into fire with a 10.1 per cent settlement. Fire and rescue authorities get seven per cent more in cash terms next year and it is good compared to other departments,” he assured local authority members.

 

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