Firefighter health checks planned under new government concordat

by Breaking News

Firefighter health checks and research funding

Firefighters in England will receive regular health checks under a new Firefighters Concordat on Health and Wellbeing announced on 16 April 2026, with government funding also directed to research on long term occupational risks.

The Department of Health and Social Care said Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting announced the agreement at the Fire Brigades Union on 16 April 2026.

The concordat is intended to improve prevention, early diagnosis and support during service and after service.

It will be delivered through a working group established under the Ministerial Advisory Group on Fire and Rescue Reform.

The government said every firefighter in the country will receive consistent, regular health checks.

New funding will be directed through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) to build evidence on firefighter health and wellbeing.

The research will examine mental health, musculoskeletal health, cancer and cardiovascular disease.

The government said there will be a specific focus on underrepresented groups in the profession, including women, with reference to kit and protective equipment not designed for them.

The agreement will also raise awareness of NHS services that could support firefighters, including mental health support, cancer screening and musculoskeletal care.

Firefighter occupation will be recorded in NHS records so doctors can make better informed decisions.

Firefighters concordat to be delivered through sector working group

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “We cannot continue to ask people to give everything in service of others and then fail them when they need help themselves.”

National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Chair Phil Garrigan said: “Supporting further research and building a stronger evidence base will be vital to improving understanding of occupational risk and ensuring firefighters receive appropriate, timely support throughout their careers.”

Building Safety Minister Samantha Dixon said: “It’s a serious, long-term promise to understand the risks they take and make sure every firefighter gets the health support they deserve – during their career and beyond.”

Fire Brigades Union General Secretary Steve Wright said: “The commitment from the Health Secretary to increase health monitoring for firefighters is a very welcome and important step forward.”

The working group will bring together government, fire and rescue services, employers and representative bodies to establish monitoring that can better assess firefighter health and spot risks earlier.

FBU urges MPs to back public ownership in water legislation

by Featured NewsFloodingSafety

FBU reaction to the water white paper

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has called for water to return to public ownership following the Westminster government’s white paper, A new vision for water, released on 20 January 2026.

The FBU said the white paper followed the Cunliffe Review, which it stated was prevented at looking at ownership models.

FBU general secretary Steve Wright said: “The UK water industry has failed to invest for decades.

“Over that period, shareholders have extracted enormous profits while costs to users have rocketed.

“In 2020, while seeking election as Labour leader, Keir Starmer recognised this failure and promised to bring water back into public ownership.

“The Water White Paper could have been an opportunity to make good on that promise.

“But however strongly worded, regulation is not the solution.

“Regulation has failed.

“We need real change, not half measures.

“The country needs action, not a PR exercise.

“Public ownership is the only solution to this public emergency.

“It is the only sure way to ensure adequate investment in maintenance, infrastructure and future-proofing.

“The FBU calls on all MPs to ensure any legislation delivers this.

“Decrepit water supply and appalling sewage management must be fixed as a matter of urgency.

“All aspects of this failure must be addressed.

“We are almost alone in the world in having a fully privatised water system.

“It is expensive, dangerous and unreliable.

“It is not the job of the Labour Party to uphold hard-line Thatcherite models of ownership.

“It’s time to end this failed experiment and bring water back into public ownership.”

What the union is asking MPs to do

The union called on MPs to ensure any legislation delivers public ownership.

It also said decrepit water supply and appalling sewage management must be fixed as a matter of urgency.

The pension battle testing UK firefighters’ patience

by Featured News

Retired firefighters await long-overdue pension payments

Retired retained firefighters across the UK say they are still waiting for pensions owed to them after decades of service, according to the BBC.

Many who served part-time on call in rural and small-town fire stations were previously excluded from pension entitlement, despite working alongside full-time firefighters.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has fought a series of legal cases since the early 2000s, securing new rights for retained firefighters to claim pensions.

However, many retirees say they have yet to receive the payments they are entitled to.

Among them is 78-year-old Roger Dunton from Leicestershire, who served 28 years at Market Harborough Fire Station and now helps widows of former colleagues with their claims.

He said: “Many people here gave it a 24-hour commitment.

“My biggest problem, being a union rep as well, was that a lot of people that I represented unfortunately are no longer with us.

“So I’m working with some of the widows to see if they’re entitled.”

Long legal battle over firefighter pensions

The FBU brought more than 11,000 tribunal claims in 2000, which were later upheld in the House of Lords.

Further negotiations concluded in 2015, granting pension eligibility for retained firefighters dating back to July 2000.

A subsequent European Court of Justice case extended that eligibility to include service between April 2000 and April 2006, allowing pensions to be claimed for full careers.

Retired firefighters must still pay the pension contributions they would have made, with deductions taken from final payments.

FBU National Officer Mark Rowe said the process remains complicated due to repeated legal and administrative changes.

He said: “There’s another bit that moves on in court – something changes – and we’re back to the drawing board.

“One of the problems is that [the administration of pensions] used to be done in-house.

“When the cuts came, these were the first ones to go because they had to prioritise front-line response – so it’s a culmination of issues.”

Rowe added: “Retained firefighters now have a right to claim back the pension money they were unjustly denied throughout their careers.

“However, in some cases, delays to employment tribunals continue to present an obstacle to our members receiving what they are owed in a timely manner.”

Administrators cite complexity and resource pressures

The West Yorkshire Pension Fund, which manages pension administration for Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service and other brigades, said it was handling a large number of cases.

A spokesperson said: “The calculations involved are often complex and require pay information going back over several years.

“The majority of retained firefighters who are eligible for additional pension benefits have not yet paid into the scheme and will have the cost of membership deducted from their retirement benefits when these come into payment.

“All payments will be backdated and members will receive interest on the pension or lump sum arrears.

“We are increasing resource in this area and processing these cases as quickly as we can.”

Retirees share stories of service and frustration

Malcolm Moss, who joined Billesdon Fire Station in 1972 and retired in 2008, said he was only paid for six years of his 35-year career.

The latest ruling means his pension could exceed £130,000, but he must pay £22,000 in contributions before accessing it.

He said: “We are very disappointed we had to come this far with our fight to get our rightful pensions.

“We’ve served Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland for all these years.”

Helen Phillips, the first female retained firefighter in Market Harborough, said her eligibility has been extended from 2006 back to 2000, but she is still waiting for the remaining years to be recognised.

She said: “The period that I’m owed is from 1991 to 2000.

“We want to know what’s happening with it.

“We haven’t had much information at all.

“We feel a bit out on a limb.”

David Wilford, who served for 26 years, said: “I want the pension that I earned.

“I’ve got another job, I work for an insurance company as well.

“I’m planning on only doing three days a week next year until I get to 67 and get my state pension.

“This would help me do less in my main job as I get older.”

A spokesperson for Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said the ruling has had national implications across pension schemes.

They said the service has no direct influence over the issue but supports retired firefighters in their efforts to claim what they are owed.

The administrators are expected to issue letters to those affected in October.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The pension dispute highlights the complex legacy issues surrounding retained firefighter employment across UK fire and rescue services.

Retained, or on-call, firefighters form a critical part of national fire cover, particularly in rural regions with limited full-time staffing.

Ongoing pension administration challenges affect workforce planning, morale and recruitment for fire authorities that rely on part-time personnel.

Senior officers, service administrators and policy leaders may face further reviews of pay and benefits systems to ensure parity with full-time staff.

The delays also raise questions for local government pension funds responsible for managing public sector entitlements efficiently.

FBU urges Labour to deliver 5,000 more firefighters and reverse cuts to public services

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured News

Labour conference supports wealth tax to rebuild public services

Delegates at the Labour Party conference have voted in favour of a motion calling for a wealth tax on the richest individuals to fund public services.

The motion was submitted by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), the Communication Workers Union (CWU), the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA) and Unite the Union.

It urges the government to reverse austerity measures, adopt progressive taxation and increase investment in public services.

The motion includes a proposal to rebuild the fire and rescue service with an immediate increase of 5,000 firefighters, alongside a review to consider further expansion and improved firefighter pay.

FBU calls for action on fire service cuts

The FBU said the fire and rescue service has lost one in five firefighters since 2010.

FBU General Secretary Steve Wright said: “Workers in Britain are paying the price for a broken economic model.

“The ultra-rich continue to reap the benefits of a rigged system that rewards wealth – not work.

“Meanwhile, public services are on the brink of collapse without the investment desperately needed after fifteen years of austerity.

“The fire and rescue service is in a state of emergency, with the loss of 1 in 5 firefighters to cuts since 2010.

“We need an immediate increase of 5,000 firefighters to begin addressing this crisis in public safety.

“The government must act decisively by introducing a progressive wealth tax to rebuild public services, create jobs, and support struggling households.”

Motion highlights links between economic policy and public safety

The motion aligns the rebuilding of the fire and rescue service with wider efforts to strengthen public services through wealth redistribution.

It positions investment in emergency services as central to reversing the effects of long-term austerity.

The proposal’s emphasis on recruitment and fair pay reflects ongoing concern about workforce shortages and pay stagnation in public sector roles.

Support from multiple trade unions

The motion received joint backing from four trade unions: the FBU, CWU, TSSA and Unite.

Their support underlines a shared demand for sustained public investment and systemic change to address service cuts and rising living costs.

The approval of the motion at the Labour Party conference signals continuing debate about the role of wealth taxation in funding essential services.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The motion’s call for an additional 5,000 firefighters directly affects local authority fire and rescue services across the UK.

If implemented, the expansion would increase operational capacity and could reduce response pressures currently faced by fire crews.

Senior fire officers and service managers would need to plan for recruitment, training and resource allocation to integrate new personnel effectively.

Procurement officers may also need to assess future equipment and uniform requirements to accommodate an expanded workforce.

Improved firefighter pay, if introduced, could influence sector-wide wage benchmarking and impact budget planning for service leadership teams.

The motion’s approval reflects a growing political focus on restoring public sector resilience, which may shape funding priorities for fire protection, emergency response and workforce wellbeing initiatives.

Labour conference backs FBU motion to expand public services with wealth tax funding: Summary

Delegates at the Labour Party conference have supported a motion calling for a wealth tax on the richest individuals to raise funds for public services.

The motion, proposed by the Fire Brigades Union, the Communication Workers Union, the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association and Unite the Union, calls for the reversal of austerity and increased public investment.

It includes a demand to rebuild the UK fire and rescue service by adding 5,000 firefighters, with a review to consider further expansion and improvements to pay.

FBU General Secretary Steve Wright said the fire and rescue service is in a “state of emergency” after the loss of one in five firefighters since 2010.

The motion’s approval reinforces the link between economic policy and the sustainability of emergency and public services across the UK.

This article contains information from the following source: The Fire Brigades Union (FBU)

Critical resources shortage triggers national wildfire response in Dorset

by Featured News

Fire Brigades Union reports national deployment to Dorset wildfire

According to the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), a shortage of critical resources has forced the deployment of firefighters from across the UK to tackle a major wildfire at Holt Heath in Dorset.

The union said the rare national mobilisation was required because local and neighbouring fire and rescue services did not have enough personnel and equipment to manage the incident.

It reported that neighbouring services sent crews from Devon and Somerset, Avon, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Royal Berkshire, and Hampshire and Isle of Wight.

The FBU confirmed that the incident triggered a National Resilience response, a programme co-ordinated by central and local government for large-scale or critical emergencies.

Under this programme, firefighters from Essex, Kent, Surrey, Bedfordshire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Leicestershire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Lancashire, and South Wales have been sent to Dorset.

Union cites long-term cuts in staffing and equipment

FBU assistant general secretary Ben Selby said: “Fourteen years of austerity have led to incidents such as the wildfire at Holt Heath becoming national emergencies.

“The loss of 1 in 5 firefighter posts to cuts, with fire engines taken off the run and fire stations closed up and down the country, means that there is no resilience left.

“Wildfires are intensive incidents, requiring a large number of firefighters and specialist resources. They are becoming increasingly severe and frequent as a result of the climate emergency.

“The government must face this reality and ensure that the UK is equipped to face these increasing threats by providing the investment the fire and rescue service needs.”

Impact on Dorset and neighbouring services

The FBU explained that the shortage of resources has left Dorset and Wiltshire and neighbouring fire and rescue services unable to manage the incident without national assistance.

It stated that these services have been affected by cuts over recent years, reducing available personnel and equipment.

The union added that the situation has shown how stretched resources can affect the ability to respond effectively to major incidents in the region.

It said that more local resources would reduce the need for long-distance deployments during emergencies.

Ongoing firefighting effort at Holt Heath

FBU executive council member for the South West Val Hampshire said: “Firefighters continue to work tirelessly in challenging conditions to tackle the large wildfire at Holt Heath.

“Throughout the week, firefighter crews have travelled from all neighbouring counties and across the UK from as far as Merseyside to assist.

“This is the result of resources being shockingly thin on the ground. Dorset and Wiltshire and neighbouring services have been cut to the bone. During this wildfire there simply haven’t been enough firefighters available in the region.

“Lessons must be learned from this ongoing incident, and all fire and rescue services must start piling the pressure on central government for the funding needed.”

National Resilience response explained

The National Resilience programme is designed to support fire and rescue services during large-scale or complex incidents where local capacity is insufficient.

It is co-ordinated between central government, local government, and the fire sector.

Deployment of crews from multiple services aims to ensure the necessary resources are available to manage emergencies effectively.

The FBU said the Dorset wildfire demonstrates the reliance on this programme due to reduced local capacity.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

This incident illustrates the operational implications of resource shortages for fire and rescue services.

It shows how reduced staffing and equipment availability can require national mobilisation even for incidents within a single region.

The case also highlights the importance of maintaining adequate local capacity to respond to increasingly severe wildfire risks linked to climate conditions.

Understanding the logistics of National Resilience deployment is relevant for emergency planning and inter-service coordination.

Critical resources shortage triggers national wildfire response in Dorset: Summary

Fire Brigades Union (FBU) said a shortage of critical resources has forced firefighters from across the UK to respond to a major wildfire at Holt Heath in Dorset.

The union reported that crews have been deployed from both neighbouring and distant services, including Merseyside.

It confirmed the incident triggered a National Resilience response co-ordinated by central and local government.

FBU assistant general secretary Ben Selby linked the situation to cuts in staffing and equipment over 14 years.

Selby said wildfires require large crews and specialist resources and are increasing due to climate conditions.

FBU South West executive council member Val Hampshire said local resources have been “cut to the bone”.

Hampshire stated that the shortage meant not enough firefighters were available in the region.

The union said lessons should be learned and funding increased for fire and rescue services.

FBU warns of UK fire service funding crisis after Dorset and Edinburgh wildfires

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsWildland Fire

Dorset and Edinburgh wildfires stretch fire service resources

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has warned that UK fire services lack the resources to keep the public safe following two wildfires within 24 hours.

According to the union, a major incident was declared at a wildfire in Holt Heath, Dorset, while firefighters also attended a wildfire on Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh over the weekend.

The FBU said the incidents occurred as temperatures were expected to rise this week, creating conditions for more fire and rescue callouts.

It stated that funding cuts have left services without enough crews or equipment to respond effectively.

The union added that firefighters from five neighbouring services were required to assist Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service at Holt Heath, leaving parts of the region without fire cover.

Emergency measures triggered in Dorset and Wiltshire

The FBU said Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is currently operating with fewer than 30 of its 74 fire engines available.

It stated that this shortfall has triggered an emergency mobilisation policy where fewer appliances are dispatched to incidents.

According to the union, the lack of available appliances in Dorset had knock-on effects for other services in the South of England.

It highlighted Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service as one of the impacted services.

The union added that Hampshire and Isle of Wight firefighters have been warned of further planned cuts to the service totalling £1.6 million.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight availability concerns

The FBU said firefighters in Hampshire and Isle of Wight were sent an alert this weekend stating that only 23 of 80 fire engines were available across the county.

It stated that the low availability followed the deployment of crews to assist at Holt Heath.

According to the union, these availability figures mean that some areas were left without an immediate fire service response capacity.

It said that reduced numbers of available appliances put residents at risk.

The union has linked these shortfalls to ongoing budget reductions.

Union calls for government action

FBU general secretary Steve Wright said: “Wildfires are intensive and dangerous incidents, requiring large numbers of firefighters and specialist equipment and resources.

“These incidents are on the rise as a result of the climate emergency and, as the last 24 hours have shown, they are happening in areas across the UK.

“But after over a decade of budget cuts, with 1 in 5 firefighter posts axed, fire and rescue services do not have the resources to cope.

“To protect the public, the government must provide the investment needed to address this crisis and rebuild resilience.”

Southern region impact described by FBU executive

FBU executive council member for the Southern region Val Hampshire said: “The major incident at Holt Heath in Dorset has revealed the severity of the crisis that fire and rescue services face due to underfunding.

“Firefighter crews have travelled from across the entire region to assist, leaving large areas without fire cover and thousands of residents without fire engines available to respond to calls.

“Cuts mean that we have fewer firefighters available everywhere, covering larger areas in smaller crews.

“Meanwhile, we are seeing chief fire officers threatening to make even more cuts in services such as Hampshire and Isle of Wight.

“Westminster must address this ticking time bomb and provide the funding fire and rescue services desperately need.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

This warning from the FBU highlights the operational risks that resource shortages can pose during high-demand periods such as wildfire outbreaks.

Reduced appliance availability and cross-service crew mobilisation may impact incident response times and the scale of the initial firefighting effort.

For professionals in the sector, the situation underscores the importance of contingency planning, mutual aid agreements, and resource allocation strategies to maintain cover during large-scale incidents.

FBU warns of UK fire service funding crisis after Dorset and Edinburgh wildfires: Summary

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has reported that UK fire services lack the resources to protect the public after two wildfires in Dorset and Edinburgh within 24 hours.

It said a major incident was declared at Holt Heath in Dorset, with crews drawn from five neighbouring services.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is operating with fewer than 30 of 74 fire engines, triggering emergency mobilisation rules.

The FBU said Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service had only 23 of 80 fire engines available over the weekend.

General secretary Steve Wright linked the resource shortfall to over a decade of budget cuts.

FBU executive council member Val Hampshire said large areas were left without fire cover due to the incident response.

The union called for government investment to address the funding crisis and restore fire and rescue capacity.

Firefighters face rising battery and climate risks, says FBU

by ActiveFeatured NewsSafety

Lithium battery incidents growing across UK

Fire Brigades Union general secretary Steve Wright has called for greater investment in fire and rescue services to address the increasing risks posed by lithium-ion batteries and climate-related events.

According to the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), the comments follow recent data from the Office for Product Safety and Standards showing at least 211 fires involving e-scooters and e-bikes were recorded in 2024. In 2020, the figure was 26.

The majority of incidents occurred in London, but the figures are based on voluntary reporting by fire and rescue services, meaning the national total is likely higher.

The union said lithium-ion battery fires pose specific hazards, including the release of flammable gases and the potential for explosion.

These incidents are taking place alongside a documented rise in wildfires and flood responses, which the FBU linked to climate change.

Union cites cuts and slower response times

The Fire Brigades Union said that cuts to the fire service have weakened its ability to respond to modern risks.

According to the FBU, one in five firefighter posts has been lost in England since 2010.

It said these reductions have contributed to a three-and-a-half-minute increase in average response times since the mid-1990s.

Wright said: “Our equipment needs to keep pace with the advances in technology, and so does the training of firefighters that’s been cut over the years. Cars are more advanced, and lithium-ion battery risks are going up.”

He added: “Attendance to climate-related incidents has increased. I know there are climate change deniers in Reform, and I would love to have that argument all day with them because I’ve been on the front line. We’re attending more floods, more wildfires.”

Wright continued: “And because we are taking three-and-a-half minutes longer [to respond] compared with the mid-90s, fires are more developed. Firefighters’ safety has been compromised with the safety of members of the public.”

Lithium-ion fires pose new response challenges

According to the Office for Product Safety and Standards, lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes and e-scooters have been the cause of multiple fire fatalities in the UK.

These fires are difficult to extinguish and can re-ignite after being put out, the FBU explained.

The union also said these batteries can produce high temperatures and flammable gases, increasing the risk to both firefighters and the public.

It added that further investment in training and equipment is necessary to handle these incidents safely.

Climate-related incidents on the rise

The FBU linked increases in flooding and wildfires to climate change, stating that UK fire services are dealing with a wider range of incident types.

Wright said fire crews have seen more climate-driven emergencies in recent years.

He added that firefighters are now regularly deployed to incidents beyond traditional structure fires, which increases the demand on personnel and resources.

The FBU said more comprehensive planning and investment is needed to prepare for ongoing environmental changes.

Response time delays could increase risk

The union cited government figures showing a substantial increase in average fire service response times over recent decades.

According to the FBU, the additional minutes can lead to more fully developed fires and increased hazards for both firefighters and civilians.

It said that this makes adequate staffing levels and resource investment essential for public safety.

Firefighters face rising battery and climate risks, says FBU: Summary

Steve Wright of the Fire Brigades Union has warned that firefighters face growing risks from lithium-ion battery incidents and climate-related emergencies.

According to the Office for Product Safety and Standards, at least 211 e-bike and e-scooter fires were reported in 2024.

The FBU said that this represents a steep increase from 26 fires in 2020.

Most recorded incidents took place in London, but the total is likely higher due to voluntary reporting.

Lithium-ion fires are difficult to manage and can release flammable gases, according to the union.

The FBU said that response times in England have increased by over three minutes since the 1990s.

It attributed this to a 20 percent reduction in firefighter numbers since 2010.

Steve Wright said that fire crews are increasingly responding to floods and wildfires.

He added that more investment is needed in equipment and training.

The FBU has called for further support to address emerging risks.

FBU urges government to take UK water sector into public ownership

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsFire Suppression

FBU calls for public water control amid fire safety concerns

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has called on the UK Government to take control of the water supply, citing fire safety and public health concerns.

According to a statement issued by the FBU on 16 July 2025, private ownership of the water sector has resulted in inadequate investment, leading to unreliable water pressure and polluted supplies that endanger both firefighters and the public.

The FBU’s statement coincides with the upcoming release of findings from the Westminster and Welsh governments’ “Independent Water Commission”, chaired by Sir Jon Cunliffe.

The Commission’s remit, set by ministers, did not include the option of public ownership, a limitation that has drawn criticism from both campaigners and experts.

The FBU joins several groups in arguing that the government should prioritise public control to ensure clean, reliable, high-pressure water supply for emergency services.

Political limits of the Cunliffe Commission

The Independent Water Commission, also known as the Cunliffe Commission, is preparing to present its final report on the regulation of the UK water sector.

Chaired by Sir Jon Cunliffe, the Commission was established by the UK and Welsh governments to examine issues in the industry but was explicitly barred from considering public ownership.

Campaign groups opposed to sewage pollution have argued that the Commission’s restricted remit undermines its ability to address systemic problems.

The FBU has criticised this constraint and pointed to alternative reviews, such as the People’s Commission on Water, which recommended full public ownership.

The FBU said the lack of investment and poor infrastructure maintenance by private companies has left fire services with inadequate water access during critical incidents.

FBU cites firefighter safety and health risks

Fire Brigades Union General Secretary Steve Wright said: “The public has a right to expect that firefighters have the clean, high-pressure and high-flowing water supplies they need to extinguish fires.

“It’s preposterous that the UK, which has high rainfall, has to endure water shortages because of poor planning and investment.

“Private companies have siphoned off billions in profit while failing to adequately maintain water pipes, resulting in unreliable water pressure across England.

“In rural areas, communities need assurance that sewage-polluted water from open sources won’t be used to put out crop fires.

“The ongoing scandal of companies releasing sewage into rivers continues to put the public at risk. Firefighters, on the frontline of floods and countryside fires, should not have to face the additional health risks of polluted water.

“Our expensive, leaky and sewage ridden system is the direct result of a failed privatisation experiment. It’s time for the government to take water back into public hands.

“The water companies should have no entitlement to compensation.”

Parliament to question Thames Water leadership

Executives from Thames Water are scheduled to appear before MPs on 16 July 2025.

Their appearance comes amid growing pressure over the company’s financial stability and pollution record.

The FBU and other groups have highlighted Thames Water as an example of the wider problems facing the UK’s privatised water companies.

MPs on the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs select committee recently criticised the sector’s structure, saying it fails to deliver the cultural and operational reforms needed.

The committee concluded that the current ownership model is not aligned with long-term public or environmental interests.

Alternative reviews support public ownership

The People’s Commission on Water, an academic-led review, recommended public ownership as the most effective way to improve performance across the sector.

Its findings suggest that public control would lower costs, increase investment and reduce pollution.

The FBU has aligned itself with these recommendations, stating that fire services depend on secure and safe water infrastructure.

The union’s position reflects wider dissatisfaction with the outcomes of water privatisation since the 1980s.

This includes issues of leakages, sewage discharges, and the failure to build resilience for emergencies such as wildfires and floods.

FBU urges government to take UK water sector into public ownership: Summary

The Fire Brigades Union has called for the UK water sector to be brought back into public ownership.

The FBU said private ownership has failed to deliver clean, reliable, high-pressure water for firefighting operations.

The union issued its statement ahead of the final report from the Independent Water Commission, chaired by Sir Jon Cunliffe.

The Commission was not permitted to consider public ownership as part of its remit.

Campaigners and academics have criticised this restriction.

An academic review, the People’s Commission on Water, recommended public ownership as the best path forward.

The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs select committee also called for major reforms in the sector.

FBU General Secretary Steve Wright said current infrastructure fails to meet the safety needs of firefighters and the public.

Thames Water executives will appear before MPs on 16 July 2025.

They are expected to answer questions about water quality, pollution, and investment levels.

The FBU said firefighters should not have to work with polluted or low-pressure water.

The union said the government must act to protect both emergency responders and communities.