The Department of Home Affairs is continuing its programme of rationalisation by relocating members of the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service to new accommodation.

A total of 15 senior managers, community fire officers and support staff are transferring from Elm Tree House in Onchan to the Department’s headquarters in Douglas.

The move, which will be completed by the end of April 2012, is part of a package of measures aimed at achieving budget savings of £221,000 within the IoM Fire and Rescue Service during the current financial year.

Officers will join the DHA Chief Executive’s Office at Homefield on Woodbourne Road, Douglas when the lease is surrendered on Elm Tree House after 12 years.

Work is currently taking place to reorganise the office space at Homefield and convert the existing garage into a new reception area.

Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson MHK is playing his part by moving into a smaller office to free up room for his officers.

The Minister said: ‘In the current financial climate it is vital to generate efficiencies wherever possible, and that includes maximising the use of our office accommodation. The Department has been required to find additional budget savings this year and relinquishing the lease on Elm Tree House will play a small but important part in helping us to achieve our targets.’

He added: ‘Members of staff have responded very positively to the changes and have been fully engaged in the process to drive down costs and improve service delivery. We will continue to work together as a team to identify further cost efficiencies while maintaining a strong focus on community safety. The Department of Home Affairs provides its wide range of services for the equivalent of £1 a day per head of population, which I think represents exceptional value for money.’