16 April 1999
The government announced this week that a rolling programme of investment would begin next year. It is the largest PFI fire deal to date, following Greater Manchester's £5.5m contract for a new fire station signed last year.
London Fire Brigade's financial problems have been accumulating over recent years, culminating in a £30m budget deficit in the current financial year. 'We received £276m but we actually needed £306m to run as we did last year,' said a spokesman. 'That's why this PFI deal is so important.'
The entire fleet of 600 fire engines is likely to be replaced during the 20-year contract, since one appliance lasts an average of 12 years. The brigade's capital budget, which was £5.5m for 1999–2000, should be unaffected.
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