Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service launches public consultation on plans to make service fit for the future

Chief Fire Officer Jim Wallace

Residents can now have their say on plans to make Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) fit for the future.

The public are being consulted with on two specific areas, these are:

• The proposal to consolidate six fire stations into three brand new, state-of-the-art community fire stations in Bolton, Manchester and Stockport
• The proposal to manage the fleet of fire engines, whilst ensuring that GMFRS still has a response time that is faster than the national average

The Programme for Change is a major transformation project for GMFRS with the aim of ensuring the service has the right resources in the right places, is well-equipped, well-managed, and well-led.

By 2022 the service needs to make efficiency savings of £12.8million and GMFRS say these proposals will help them meet this, whilst helping develop a service both for the future and fit to service the communities of Greater Manchester.

Chief Fire Officer Jim Wallace said: “The proposals we are consulting on are essential to ensure GMFRS is fit for the future and to serve the communities of Greater Manchester. As such, it is important those communities are involved in this process and get a chance to have their say.

“Our approach throughout this process has always been one of ‘listen, learn and change’ and this consultation is a vital part of that. I would urge anyone who has a view on what we are proposing to get involved through this consultation.”

As well as encouraging the public to have their say, GMFRS are also engaging with staff on the proposals.

The feedback gathered from the staff and public consultation will then be considered before the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, signs off any final plans for the future of the service for implementation.

The public consultation on the GMFRS Programme for Change Outline Business will run until 31 May.

You can give your views on the plan at:

• www.gmconsult.org