Oral QuestionMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

“If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities.”

Tabled: 27 October 2026Answered: 2 November 2026

Asked by

Josh Newbury

Labour — Cannock Chase

Answering Minister

the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government

Answer from Hansard

The Minister for Homelessness, Democracy, Communities and Faith (Florence Eshalomi)

I agree with my hon. Friend that our firefighters worked tirelessly to protect lives, homes and critical infrastructure during the wildfires this summer, and they should have the equipment to respond to that risk. That is why at the wildfire summit last month the Government announced £45 million of investment for wildfire-specific personal protective equipment for firefighters in England and UK-wide aerial capability. We will continue to engage with the Treasury post-Budget and ahead of the spending review to ensure that we are working towards meeting the needs of fire and rescue services.