John Healey vows to fight fire service privatisation moves

Wentworth and Dearne MP John Healey condemned Government proposals to sell a specialist training centre based in Gloucestershire to private firm Capita.

In a letter seen by Mr Healey, fire minister Brandon Lewis tells the chair of the House of Commons Regulatory Reform Committee that he is seeking the committee's view on proposals “that would enable fire and rescue authorities in England to contract out their full range of services to a suitable provider.”

But the Wentworth and Dearne MP said: "Firefighting is a no-go area for privatisation.

“The first and last concern of our fire services must be public protection not company profit.

“Areas like fire and rescue are essential public services on which we all depend for our safety, and sometimes our lives.”

In answers to questions asked by Mr Healey in the House of Commons, the fire minister said the College was a £20 million operation but refused to confirm that sale proceeds will be kept by the Department for Communities and Local Government.