Fire chiefs warn 'lives at risk' over underfunding of service

PEOPLE could die if Holyrood continues to underfund the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), critics have claimed.

- BY DAVID WALKER

The warning comes as the Finance Secretary, Shona Robison, is set to outline her Budget tomorrow.

Thanks to the UK Government, Scotland’s coffers have been boosted by £750million. But FM John Swinney has vowed to use the cash to focus on the NHS and child poverty, which also means other already struggling services, such as Police Scotland and the fire service, may miss out on much-needed extra cash.

Both emergency services have had to undertake major cost-cutting exercises, including getting rid of staff, facilities and buildings. It leaves Scotland’s streets less safe with less cops dealing with crime and a reduced number of fire appliances to tackle late-night blazes.