Merger of the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service

The Isle of Wight Council voted on 21 March 2007 to maintain the independence of the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, opting for the status-quo option..

This was one of three options under consideration; full merger, further collaboration or status-quo.

Island Firefighters, Control Staff and Support Staff were vehemently opposed to the idea of a merger. Instead they wished to continue the modernisation of the Fire Service with the status-quo model, whilst collaborating further with various neighbouring Fire Services (rather than just Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service).

If the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service were to have merged with Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service Island residents would be paying more for less.

This was a joint campaign of the local Fire Brigades Union and UNISON branches. Together they are protecting local services, that deliver the high quality standards that the public deserves.

Press release:

2007/03/28: A press release from Paul Fletcher, Brigade Secretary, Isle of Wight Branch of the FBU has been issued - more details here.