CUTS to the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service are set to go ahead, despite the fire authority voting to delay the decision.

Firefighters have said that a £1.6 million cut to front line services would put public safety at greater risk.

One in four firefighters have already left the service since 2010, and recent inspections reveal the service is struggling to meet its own emergency response standards.

This comes after the latest His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) report rated the service as inadequate in staffing and skills, requiring improvement in emergency response and resource management.

Chief fire officer Neil Odin sent out a video message to colleagues last week (September 5) notifying them the cuts are set to go ahead.

The chief also stated that a letter has been sent to government ministers, calling for the government to commit to funding the service in the future – but not pushing to prevent this round of cuts.

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The Fire Brigades Union is urging the service to use the £23.9 million reserves it holds to plug the gap while it campaigns for more funding from central government.

Mark Chapman, Fire Brigades Union regional secretary for the southern region, said: “Firefighters across Hampshire and Isle of Wight were shocked to receive a video message from the chief today, announcing that cuts to the service will be forced through.

“This bulldozing of due process comes less than a week after the fire authority voted to delay plans to slash firefighter posts, giving the service more time to push for the funding desperately needed.

“Firefighters, councillors, members of the public and the fire authority have all made it clear that these cuts threaten public safety. Hampshire and Isle of Wight is already on the brink – losing further firefighter posts will put lives at greater risk.

“Senior management of the service have a duty to put public safety first, and to do everything in their power to secure these essential resources. Central government must step in and provide the funding so desperately needed.”

Firefighters in Dorset said they were being pushed to their limits after attending a record number of incidents this year.

Andy Cole from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said that the government’s funding review of fire services could see more firefighters leave the role.

He has proposed an increase in council tax to help secure the future of the fire service in Dorset.