FireControl project could be axed before Christmas

The government's controversial FireControl project could be flagged for review today.

The Fire Brigade's Union (FBU) said it was expecting an announcement from fire minister Bob Neil later today, in which it hopes the project designed to reduce the number of fire service control rooms from 46 to nine will be shelved.

>> See also: Government shelves FiReControl <<

"The FireControl Project has been beset by problems from inception. Over seven years late and millions of pounds over budget, the government is now promising a decision on its future before the Christmas break," said a union spokeswoman.

The IT contractor EADS (now Cassidian) has been held in breach of contract by the Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) for its failure to deliver. Neil said at the Fire Show in Harrogate earlier this year that the system must be delivered to time, to cost and to quality, the spokeswoman added.

The FBU is calling for investment in the existing fire control rooms and equipment, which it claims will cost a fraction of the FireControl project.

Neil said the project was over-budget and behind schedule, in a statement earlier this year.

A spokeswoman for CLG said nothing has yet been announced regarding FireControl.