Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) is inviting people to have their say on the future of their fire and rescue service, by taking part in a public consultation that was launched today.
The consultation will run for a period of 13 weeks, from 12 December – 13 March 2017. During this period, RBFRS wants to hear the views of staff and the people who live, work and travel in Royal Berkshire, to ensure the best possible choices are made to equip the service for the future, in an environment of shrinking financial resources.
The Royal Berkshire Fire Authority that governs RBFRS has outlined a number of proposals in line with its 2015-2019 Integrated Risk Management Plan. The proposals set out in this document are intended to ensure that RBFRS has the right resources, doing the right things, in the right places, at the right time, to deliver its vision of enabling people to lead safe and fulfilling lives.
This consultation includes options for changes to service delivery across Prevention, Protection and Response services, as outlined in this consultation document.
To take part, we encourage you to firstly read this document before providing your feedback in one of the following ways:
- Through our website: www.rbfrs.co.uk/consultation
- Write to us with your comments, ideas or views at: Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, IRMP Consultation, Newsham Court, Pincents Kiln, Calcot, Reading, Berkshire, RG31 7SD.
- Email us atirmp@rbfrs.co.uk
- Telephone 0118 938 4331 and leave us a message.
If you would like a hard copy of the consultation document, or require assistance with accessing the information in an alternative format or language, please contact us using any of the methods above.
After the consultation closes the Fire Authority will carefully consider all feedback received, before making any decisions on changes to the service. Final decisions will be published in a report available on the RBFRS website in May 2017.
Councillor Colin Dudley, Chairman of the Royal Berkshire Fire Authority said: “The Fire Authority is committed to delivering a truly outstanding service to the residents of Royal Berkshire. Following this consultation the Fire Authority will be taking important decisions but will not do so without first seeking the views of all the communities of Royal Berkshire.”
Andy Fry, Chief Fire Officer at RBFRS said: “As you think about how you will respond to our consultation, I would encourage you to think about which of the options will do the best job in saving the money we need to save, keeping our staff motivated and committed but above all, will deliver the best possible service to communities across Royal Berkshire.”