In an emergency always call 999
Make a selection from both options above.
This year, Avon Fire & Rescue Service is on track to deliver £1.1 million in savings. While we continue to drive efficiencies and make best use of our resources, we are facing a projected £2 million deficit in 2026–27 and a further £2 million in 2027–28.
Although this presents a long-term financial challenge, our immediate focus is on meeting next year’s savings requirements while continuing to call for fairer funding and seeking investment to ensure our Service remains fit for purpose.
This is not a position we want to be in. As with all fire and rescue services, we are facing growing demand, evolving risks, and expanding responsibilities, with funding formulas that have failed to keep pace.
We continue to engage with staff and representative bodies, including the Fire Brigades’ Union, to share information, listen to feedback, and explore options together. Feedback from staff and unions, alongside risk and data insights, has already informed our approach and will continue to shape our proposals moving forward.
Chief Fire Officer Matt Cook said: “Our firefighters are on the frontline every day, protecting lives, homes, and businesses. And, behind every emergency response is a team of dedicated professionals, from control staff to prevention, protection, and support teams, all playing a vital role in keeping our communities safe. Every one of them deserves the resources and support needed to continue doing that essential work.
“Unfortunately, we are now in a position where we must look at potential reductions across all staff groups to meet the growing funding gaps we face. The reality is that Avon Fire and Rescue Service cannot continue to deliver the same level of service with continually reducing resources.
“I am doing everything possible to protect our Service, but we urgently need sustainable funding that reflects the risks we face and the critical work we do to keep both our staff and the public safe.
“I will continue to champion fire and rescue services locally and nationally, working closely with partners and leaders to make clear the reality of the challenges we face and to call for fairer, long-term investment in our fire and rescue service.”
A number of proposals have been developed and will be considered by Avon Fire Authority in November, following continued engagement and consultation with staff, unions, and stakeholders. No decisions have yet been made on where future savings will come from.
Councillor Paul Goggin, Chair of Avon Fire Authority, added: “The pressure on public finances continues to grow, and we must be honest about the impact this is having on Avon Fire & Rescue Service. Alongside the Chief Fire Officer, I will continue to call on the Government to invest in fire and rescue services so that, both locally and nationally, we have the people, equipment, and resources needed to protect our communities, now and for generations to come.
“As a Fire Authority, we face some incredibly difficult decisions. The financial situation is becoming increasingly precarious, and it is our duty to speak up for our communities and for the dedicated people who serve them with professionalism and courage every day.”
We remain committed to doing all we can to protect the safety and wellbeing of our communities and our staff, while calling for the funding and investment our Service needs to meet future challenges. Avon Fire & Rescue Service continues to work closely with local and national partners, and is calling for fairer funding for standalone fire authorities, which have faced real-terms financial pressures in recent years.
Earlier this year, the National Fire Chiefs’ Council warned “incomprehensible” cuts would threaten public safety.