FIREFIGHTERS in Wales welcomed a Senedd committee report today that confirms they have been failed by its leadership.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) Cymru welcomed the equality and social justice committee report as vindication of the concerns it has been making about the service in Wales.

The scrutiny committee heard evidence that fire authorities in Wales are not up to the task and that some members lacked the skills needed to do their jobs.

The report also details concerns about Stuart Millington’s appointment as interim chief fire officer at South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Committee chairwoman Jenny Rathbone said: “Fire service staff in Wales are being let down by the leaders responsible for the governance of the fire and rescue services. No change is not an option.”

The report follows a scathing inquiry into misogyny and racism in the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

The Welsh government said it will consider the findings carefully.