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The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has warned it is prepared to consider industrial action in response to proposed fire service cuts, as two services secure additional funding following union-led campaigns.
Avon Fire and Rescue Service and Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service have both avoided immediate reductions after receiving extra funding, following sustained lobbying and campaigning by firefighters.
In Avon, firefighters began campaigning last autumn after the service identified a £2m budget shortfall for the 2026–27 financial year, which placed between 32 and 72 firefighter roles at risk. FBU members held rallies and warned they were prepared to take strike action. As a result, planned cuts were initially delayed until 2026.
Avon’s Chief Fire Officer has now confirmed to staff that the service will receive an additional £3.5m in central government funding, following lobbying efforts.
In Leicestershire, firefighters have also secured an additional £2m in funding this year, following a campaign and changes to the way central government funding is calculated. The additional funding has enabled the service to avoid planned cuts.
FBU general secretary Steve Wright said: “Where firefighters stand together and fight, we can win. The FBU is proud that our members’ efforts to campaign for funding have made the residents of Avon and Leicestershire safer. However, across the country, we are still facing devastating cuts.
“Politicians and chief fire officers should be on notice — we will fight for every job and every station in every corner of the UK. If necessary, we will take industrial action to protect the fire service.”
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