HEREFORD and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) has said that it will strive to make efficiency savings in response to a report highlighting the need to cut expenditure.

Sir Ken Knight’s report, Facing the Future, looked at ways that fire and rescue services across the country can make savings while at the same time providing a first-class service to the public.

And Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO) Richard Lawrence said that many of the recommendations are already being implemented at HWFRS.

“The report highlights the need to consider a flexible approach to staffing, something that HWFRS has embraced through the introduction of different shift patterns as well as the provision of a significant proportion of firefighters working the retained (on-call) duty system.

“A recent external report noted that we are already making efficiency savings yet continue to deliver a good service to our communities.

“Our priority is to deliver a high quality fire and rescue service to people who live in Herefordshire and Worcestershire whilst providing value for money.”