MSP 'stunned' over fire call-out fees
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THE Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is to introduce a formal charging policy for call-outs to non-emergency incidents.
HGV drivers could face a fire brigade fee if their vehicles spill hazardous materials and homeowners could pay for summoning firemen to pump out flood water or rescue their cat if it is stuck up a tree.
The current cost is £285 per hour, excluding VAT, per fire appliance.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said other non-emergency incidents crews attend include freeing people from jammed lifts and gaining entry to premises.
Fire authorities have more freedom to charge after a revision in the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 in February.
Eight regional fire services, which amalgamated to become SFRS on April 1 last year, had their own approach to charging for non-emergency call-outs.
However, a report to the Fire Service board says the new charging policy for the single service enables the service to "explore potential income streams that have had limited application in the past".
The charges are expected to bring in £136,000-a-year.
They are based on the expected actual cost of delivery to the Fire Service, including overheads.
A spokesman for Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: "As a fire and rescue service we are regularly called to assist in animal rescue situations. This may range from a domestic pet trapped to a major road traffic collision involving a transporter carrying cattle and there will always be occasions where the specialist skills and equipment of the fire and rescue service is needed.
"Our intervention in these cases can often prevent an escalation of the incident and prevent the public from endangering themselves by trying to effect a rescue. We are not aware of any charge being made by SFRS for animal rescues although the Service would be entitled to do so. Each incident would be considered on a case by case basis."
But Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Dave Stewart slammed the move.
"The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is a publicly-funded organisation which the public already support through paying taxes," said Mr Stewart. "The idea of someone being rescued from a lift to then be charged for the service stuns me as I’m sure it will many members of the public.
"I am particularly concerned with the costs associated with the cover for venue hire per hour, dependent on the number of people the venue holds. This looks to me like the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are putting a price on fire safety which is simply unacceptable."
He added: "These proposed changes will only further remove the important community element of the SFRS and increase risks through people fearing a bill in the post following a call-out to the Fire and Rescue Service."
The new fees have been approved by the Scottish Government.
A spokeswoman said: "The Scottish Government has approved the SFRS Charging Policy to ensure there is a consistent approach to the cost of specialist services across Scotland.
"This consistency avoids confusion, unnecessary public expenditure and helps protect frontline services whilst delivering the benefits of reform."
SCOTTISH Fire & Rescue Service - hire per hour charges now effective:
• Aerial Rescue Pump £285 per hour
• Aerial Ladder Platform - £274 per hour
• Pumping Appliance (incl. Rescue Pumps) £262 per hour
• Light Vehicles - £47 per hour
• Fire Crew / Additional Personnel £24-£39 per hour, dependent on role.
