Local residents are being given the chance to have their say on future funding for Avon Fire & Rescue Service, along with the work it does in the community.
Photo © Avon Fire & Rescue Service
People can have their say on the progress of the Service Plan 2024-2028, as well as how much they would be prepared to pay for fire and rescue services.
The feedback will help the fire service assess its performance against the plan, manage risks effectively, ensure the service provides value for money, and make sure it is a great place to work.
The Service Plan outlines a commitment to improving community safety through fire prevention, risk reduction, and emergency response.
It includes initiatives to address emerging risks and looks at strategies to reduce the likelihood of incidents before they happen.
Chief Fire Officer Simon Shilton said: “As a service, our main aim is to make our communities safer and we do that by preventing fires through education, protecting you in your homes and your places of work, and by responding to fires.
“We are now one year into our four-year plan and what you think about our progress matters to us and that’s why it’s important that you take part in this survey, to make your voice heard.
“As with many public sector organisations, we are facing some real financial constraints, and we must be honest about the challenges we face in maintaining our level of service.
“However, the safety of our communities remains our top priority, and we are committed to working with local people, partners, and staff to ensure that we make the best use of every pound we receive.”
The survey, available here, gives the opportunity to have a say on how fire and rescue services are shaped over the next four years.
You can provide feedback on various aspects of the plan and how the service spends its money, including how they allocate resources, their emergency response strategies, and how they engage with the community.
Chair of Avon Fire Authority, Ben Nutland added: “For Avon Fire & Rescue Service, community input is vital in shaping how it works as an emergency service in the future.
“We urge anyone with thoughts on how to improve services or manage the financial challenges ahead to share their opinions.
“The Authority’s role is to address the challenges facing the Service, with the resources available, ensuring an effective and efficient service that meets the expectations of local people and businesses.
“We can only do that by listening to and hearing from you, and I would encourage everyone to find out more about the Service’s priorities for tackling risk across the area and keeping you safer by sharing your views in this survey.”
The survey will close on 7th February 2025
If you need the survey in another format, call 07977 467634 or email [email protected]
