The University of Oxford has joined others in expressing concerns over Oxford County Council’s proposed cuts to the Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (OFRS). The proposals, which would see reductions in the number of fire stations, fire engines, and firefighter posts, follow a review of fire service resources and emergency response capabilities across the country.
The County Council’s public consultation on the reforms was open from last October until 31st January. It was extended beyond an original deadline of 20th January to allow for more feedback. Since then around 1500 responses have been received.
The University of Oxford submitted a response to the consultation, expressing concerns over the plans. A spokesperson from the University told Cherwell that the proposed cuts “will significantly increase response times to the areas of highest risk, undermining protection for the city’s historic buildings, laboratories, and college estate, and reducing vital day-to-day fire safety engagement with the University”.
The proposed changes include the closure of fire stations in Woodstock, Henley, and Eynsham, and the removal of six fire engines. Fire stations in Kidlington and Rewley Road, near the city centre, could be merged and replaced with a new station in North Oxford.
The restructuring plan looks to prioritise the daytime availability of emergency fire services. Cherwell understands that, were the cuts to be implemented, there would be only five fire engines guaranteed to be available to cover all of Oxfordshire at night, leading to an increase in response times. Twelve-hour day shifts would be introduced for firefighters across the county, and 42 OFRS employees are at risk of being made redundant.
In the consultation, Oxfordshire County Council stated that the closures have been considered because many employees are “unable to commit to offering the hours that they once might have”, leading to “persistent low fire engine availability”. It is stressed that the changes “are forecast to have a minimal impact on overall response performance”.
More than 150 firefighters from across the county protested the cuts outside Oxford’s County Hall on 9th December. The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) have launched a campaign under the banner “Cuts Kill”, including a petition to have the proposals withdrawn.
Jonathan Shuker, Acting Brigade Secretary for the FBU, told Cherwell: “No engagement with employees or the FBU was sought before these proposals were sent out to the public.”
Anneliese Dodds, Labour MP for Oxford East, is among those who have declared their opposition to the cuts. She is urging Oxford residents to sign the FBU’s petition. Numerous local councils, including West Oxfordshire District Council, have also voiced their disapproval of the proposed reforms.
The University of Oxford has seen several recent fires, notably in Reuben College offsite accommodation last November. On the 23rd of January, fire services were called to Wadham College’s main site after a blaze broke out. Shuker told Cherwell that these incidents “show exactly why OFRS should have city centre firefighting capabilities”.
Oxfordshire County Council was approached for comment.
