Clause 2 - Power to create combined fire and rescue authorities
Fire and Rescue Services Bill
10:00 am
Mr Richard Younger-Ross (Shadow Minister, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister Local Government & the Regions; Teignbridge, Liberal Democrat)
I thank the hon. Gentleman for giving way a second time. He referred to the Devon fire authority. He is exactly right in what he says about the number of retained firefighters in the county and the two adjoining authorities. One consequence of a large number of retained firefighters is that the percentage increase in the salaries under Bain is greater than the figure of 16 per cent. that appears in the documents. The figure that I have for Devon over three years is 23 per cent., but we face the threat of a cap. Given perception of cost-cutting exercises and such financial pressures, the public will believe that any further changes are being made for the wrong, not the right reasons.