Consultation on £2.5million cuts to West Sussex fire service

A county spokesman said: “Proposals include reductions in support staff and managers and changes to some response arrangements but there are no plans to close any fire stations.”

The savings are part of West Sussex County Council’s plans to reduce its costs by £79m.

Originally, the fire service had proposed making savings through a merger with East Sussex but the plans had to be dropped due to uncertainties over funding.

The two services will, however, merge their control rooms to save an estimated £950,000 per year.

The new Sussex control centre is due to go live in September, 2013.

Impact on staff

Deputy county fire officer Sean Ruth said the budget plan would mean changes for staff but the aim of the proposals had to be on maintaining essential services to the public.

“To make the level of savings required it will inevitably mean a reduction in posts,” he said.

“But I believe the areas we have identified for change mean we will still be able to deliver the right balance of community safety and emergency response services to people in West Sussex.

“It is also important our performance standards match risks in the county, so when you dial 999 in West Sussex a fire engine will still arrive within our agreed attendance times as it does now.

“Our plan is not just about cost-cutting.

“We want to reinvest resources in areas where it will improve our overall performance, and we will also seek ways to attract new sources of income.