£1.5m is needed to help improve Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service's estates, according to the police, fire and crime commissioner.

Peter McCall, Cumbria's police, fire and crime commissioner, has made a bid to the Home Office, requesting the sum to help bring all 33 non-private financial initiative (PFI) buildings associated with the service up to scratch.

The requested fund, if granted, will be used to ensure that these buildings conform to statutory and best practices around water management, electricity, and asbestos.

Mr McCall conveyed the urgency, stating: "Since taking on responsibility for the governance of Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service in April 2023, I have been able to put a medium-term financial plan in place to help us become more financially resilient.

"However, with no inherited reserves, we need to be prepared.

“Part of my role as PFCC, is to listen to the chief fire officer and leadership team regarding the issues they face and to work together on how we can provide a safer service for public and employees – estates is a common topic that is raised as an area that needs improvement.

“The backlogs and information we inherited following the transfer of governance responsibility surrounding building maintenance was poor and unacceptable. I have a responsibility as the employer to ensure that staff can do their job in a safe environment and any issues are spotted and dealt with quickly."

The Home Office has provided an additional £3.4m to help with adapting Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service to become an efficient standalone service.

He pledged to keep fighting for funding and expressed hope that the Home Office would grant the added £1.5m, saying: "I hope that the Home Office will approve and provide us with this extra funding so that we can continue to build on the excellent work of CFRS."