Funding for Scotland’s fire and rescue service

Scotland’s fire and rescue services will receive £24.6 million to assist with their capital investment programmes in the next financial year.

Community safety Minister Fergus Ewing said the investment will be used for the purchase of specialist equipment, the development of training facilities and the building and modernisation of fire stations across Scotland.

Mr Ewing said:

“Investment in Scotland’s public service infrastructure provides both modern public services and jobs for the construction industry – vital in the current economic climate.

“It is vital that the Scottish Government can help ensure our eight fire and rescue services have the right equipment, infrastructure and training to deliver their increasingly diverse role.

“This investment of £24.6 million is in addition to some £330 million of revenue funding received by the services through the local government settlement.

“The funding will be used to purchase specialist equipment, the development of training facilities and the building and modernisation of fire stations across Scotland.”

Mike Bridgman, Chair of the Scottish Fire Conveners Forum said:

“Fire Conveners are delighted that their recommendations on capital projects have been accepted by the Minister. The process has been thorough, demonstrating good partnership working. We are particularly pleased that decisions have been taken in good time to aid FRS financial planning for 2010-11.”

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