Labour's persistent under-funding leaves Derbyshire Fire Authority third-lowest funded in England

2.27.09pm GMT Mon 15th Mar 2010

Figures uncovered in parliamentary questions by Paul Holmes, Liberal Democrat MP for Chesterfield show that Derbyshire Fire Authority is the third-lowest funded in England.

Per 100,000 population, Derbyshire Fire Authority receives £1,023,000 less than the average amount of money spent on the Fire and Rescue Services in England as a whole. In each of the last four years, Derbyshire Fire Authority has had 7 to 8 fewer fire service personnel per 100,000 population than the English average.

"These figures show that the persistent under-funding of Derbyshire's public services is not only limited to schools and policing but hits another valuable service, the Fire and Rescue Service, as well.

"The Labour Government should be ashamed of its consistent neglect of Derbyshire's public services over these last 13 years.

"Derbyshire deserves public services as well-funded as those anywhere else in the country."