The York Branch of the Fire Brigade's Union applauds your excellent editorial (Evening Press, May 12) regarding the funding of the emergency services.

The long-standing and flawed funding formula for the fire service, known as The Standard Spending Assessment, has been the root cause of the continuous cuts to North Yorkshire Fire Brigade and the fire service nationally.

Although the last two years have not seen a cut to the front line service, the effects of continuous financial pruning has left its mark on the front line staff and equipment.

Fleet maintenance, training support, supply section and general administration have all deteriorated because of budget restrictions. This letter cannot be highlighted with specific instances because of the media-liaison "Code of Conduct Order", issued in December 1997, bulletin point one which states:

"Failure to observe the code is likely to constitute a serious contravention of the discipline regulations and may result in formal proceedings being taken against individual or individuals concerned."

So it is difficult to reply to the vice-chair of the Fire and Rescue Authorities' remarks in the same edition of your paper in the editorial. It would be helpful if Mr Cregan (Labour Councillor for Beckfield, York) could inform the York firefighters if he, as vice-chair of the Fire Authority, was the official spokesperson or is the chair person, Mrs C Seymore, Stokesley, North Yorkshire (Lib Dem), the voice of the authority?

This is important because we require the ruling Labour group on the City of York Council to make clear their position. Are they advising, directing and supporting Coun Cregan when he comments on the fire service? Is he speaking for, and with the full support of the City of York Council and North Yorkshire County Council? Is he speaking for the City Council only or is he the North Yorkshire Liberal Democrat dominated combined Fire Authority mouthpiece? Just so we know where he's coming from. This will always be a one-sided debate because we are not (at local level) free to tell our side of the story and Coun Cregan will, no doubt, wish this letter to be investigated.

Andrew Young,

Chairman,

York Branch,

Fire Brigade's Union.

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