'The CLG settlement includes a 13 per cent real terms reduction to fire resource expenditure. This will require the Fire and Rescue Service to modernise, increase efficiency and deliver workforce reform.'
How this might be achieved without increasing the likelihood of people dying in fires is not stated. Rather, 'It will be for individual fire authorities to decide how to make these savings.'
It's assumed that every public service has a huge amount of waste and spare capacity. For some, this will be the case, but is it really safe to assume it for absolutely everything, including the emergency services?
This Dilbert cartoon sums up being told to cut 10%, or 20%, or 30% by a government with no idea of how this is to be achieved.
Thank you Scott Adams.
Incidentally, it might be an idea to check your smoke alarms.
