THE Government is putting a part of the region at risk of a major fire threat by refusing to halt fire service budget cuts, according to two MPs.

Alex Cunningham, MP for Stockton North, and Tom Blenkinsop, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, are angry after Government Minister for the Fire Service, Bob Neill, said he could do nothing to stop Cleveland Fire Brigade facing the biggest cuts in the country.

Cleveland Fire Brigade expects to have an £8.8m shortfall in its budget over the next four years and believes the safety of communities and staff may be put at risk.

There are fears that up to 180 jobs could go, including many firefighters.

The meeting was also attended by Cleveland Fire Brigade’s fire chief Ian Hayton, James Wharton, MP for Stockton South, and Ian Swales, MP for Redcar.

Mr Cunningham said: “We wanted an opportunity to outline the specific challenges an area like ours has to face, both with a high-density population – many living in deprived areas – and an industrial complex which is recognized as having the greatest fire risk in Europe.

“The minister listened carefully and accepted the particular problems Cleveland faces, but the bottom line was simple enough.

“The current formula – which sees Cleveland’s budget cut more than anyone else’s while areas like Hampshire has seen an increase – meant there was nothing he could do.

“He said that the formula took into account the level of risk and density of population and to change it would mean others losing out.”

He added: “Mr Neill did say he hopes a review of the formula and changes in the way that business rates are allocated could help our area in the future.

“Whether or not that will be soon enough to stop our Fire Service cutting beyond safe levels, I don’t know, but I doubt it.”

Mr Blenkinsop said: “It was clear that the minister was wedded to his formula.

“I only hope that we don’t face the kind of major incident that we have had in the past once these cuts have been implemented.

I am not convinced that a depleted fire service will be able to cope the way they have in the past.”

Ian Swales, MP for Redcar, said: “We have a low council tax base compared to other local authorities and this has an adverse affect on our grant.

“This settlement is challenging, but I know from speaking with Ian Hayton that he has many ideas on how to reform his service.

“I recognise the task ahead is difficult, but I am confident that Ian will be in contact with the minister if he believes that the area is having to compromise beyond safe levels.”