Scottish firefighters lobby Cabinet

From FIA: My comments in italics and bold.

Scottish firefighters have sought assurances from the government that frontline services will not be cut under plans to create a single service.

At a question-and-answer session in Kirkcaldy, Fife, members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) asked Scottish ministers what effects planned budget cuts could have on their jobs.
Around £4 million has been cut from the fire safety revenue budget in the county so far and further cuts are also possible.
It comes as justice secretary Kenny MacAskill looks set to announce whether fire services will be merged into one national force, with police forces also likely to be subject to a merger.
FBU Scottish secretary John Duffy, urged the Scottish Government to ensure that frontline services will not be affected by budget cuts.
"The relationship between devolution, fire brigades and HM Treasury has never been tested," he told the Press Association.
"No matter what decisions are made, the main thing is the protection of frontline services. We want assurances from the Scottish Government."

£4M cut from the Fire Safety budget? Does not bode well for Training in Fire Safety. There appears to be a lack of experience, knowledge and skills at the moment and any cuts will be reflected in this scenario worsening.
I believe that Strathclyde F & R S have started employing civilians to work in Fire Safety Departments. Because of their lack of the above they will use The Guidance Documents as their crutch and continue what we are seeing now, sadly in many cases. Using Benchmark Standards as minimum standards. 3rd Party arbitration will be busy I reckon.