Charges for Emergency Services
Mitchell raised the possibility of charges for fire, accident-relief and rescue services, including cutting people from cars. The Minister said charging was for individual authorities to consider during their Estimates debates.
Will the Minister assure the House, in view of the discussions by at least one local authority indicating that no new charges will be permitted for emergency fire services, accident relief services or rescue services——
Comment on this
The Deputy knows that that is a matter for individual local authorities. They will be discussing these matters during their Estimates debates which will continue into November.
Comment on this
At least one authority is considering the possibility of charging for cutting people out of cars.
Comment on this
I am not aware of the results of the Estimates debates of any particular local authority at this time but by 16 November I expect they will all have passed their Estimates.