Berkshire residents asked to shape the future of the fire service
RBFRS is working on their four-year plan
Last updated 19th Jan 2023
Residents throughout Berkshire are being encouraged to engage in a consultation to shape the future of the fire and rescue service amid ‘challenging years ahead’.
The Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) covers the entire county from Langley to Lambourne operating from 16 stations.
Crews attended 7,300 emergencies in 2021/22.
Now, it is seeking views from residents about its priorities for the next four years.
The RBFRS is managed by the Royal Berkshire Fire Authority (RBFA) which has published its draft Corporate Plan and Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) for 2023 to 2027.
The plan explains how how all fire and rescue related risk in the community is evaluated and how resources are allocated to manage those risks.
These risks include house fires, crashes and chemical spills, but they also include other less common hazards such as wide area flooding, terrorist attacks, and a building collapse.
Examples of big incidents include the Maidenhead nightclub fire of 2019, the Rowe Court fire in Reading of 2021, and the Slough bus station fire of 2022.
It also lays out how the RBFA aims to prevent incidents, protect homes and businesses and aims to respond to emergencies.
The plan contains six core priorities which are:
Developing the RBFRS Integrated Service Delivery Strategy to meet changing risks in Berkshire
Developing a a Risk Based Prevention Programme to target those most vulnerable and at risk from emergency incidents.
Developing the RBFRS response model to provide a more effective response to incidents
Review non-statutory incidents, to determine firefighter requirement to attending such incidents
Develop the service to reduce the impact of fire safety issues in commercial buildings
Provide a minimum of 14 frontline fire appliances utilising Wholetime and On-call staff as effectively as possible.
Consultation
The call for people to take part in a consultation comes as the RBFA is also asking for views on increasing council tax amid budget pressures which include an increase in firefighter overtime and ongoing pay negotiations.
Councillor Paul Gittings (Labour, Coley), chair of RBFA, said:
“Through the collective effort of our staff, we have overcome many challenges within Berkshire over the past years, including our response to adverse weather conditions and other major incidents.
“As we look forward to the next four years, we are preparing to meet similar challenges, in addition to managing the difficult economic circumstances the Service may face.
“The years ahead are likely to be some of the most challenging we have faced, which is why we are focused on working ever closer with our local communities, businesses and partner agencies to deliver a first-rate service. We are really keen to hear your views on our latest plan, so please have your say during the consultation period.”
You can take part in the consultation by providing feed back in an online survey emailing consultations@rbfrs.co.uk , calling 0118 945 2888 or by letter to Newsham Court, Pincents Kiln, Calcot, Reading, Berkshire, RG31 7SD.
The consultation will close at 5pm on Monday, March 27.