Staffordshire fire stations rebuild scheme in doubt

The £50 million rebuild of 11 fire stations in Staffordshire was uncertain today amid growing concerns about the international economic crisis.

Chiefs are worried the Government could pull the plug on the project as part of cost-cutting measures.

Under plans, six fire stations in the south of the county – Rugeley, Stone, Penkridge, Chase Terrace, Codsall and Lichfield – and another five across the county will be rebuilt to modern standards.

The scheme would be bankrolled by a Private Finance Initiative.

It follows a previous PFI which financed three new stations and the rebuild of another seven. The investment for the south of the county is awaiting final approval from the Treasury and fire bosses believe the decision will depend on the "international crisis".

The claim is included in Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service's Strategic Risk Register report, which includes "failure to deliver PFI 2 due to central Government withdrawing support" as one of the risks.

It states the outcome is "likely" if ministers "withdraw support for PFIs as part of efficiency savings".

"This will also be dependent on the present international crisis," the report continues. And chiefs believe there is little they can do to persuade the Government to commit to the investment "as we cannot influence Government policies to a significant degree".

They are also worried about cuts to Staffordshire Fire's operational budget, a risk which they say is "likely, due to financial constraints being placed on all public services".

Long-term financial planning is needed to prepare for any reduction, the report adds. Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service has already announced its preferred bidder for the PFI project, if the Government gives the plans the go-ahead.

Blue3 was selected after a rigorous procurement process.

By Mark Mudie