Fire chiefs in Cheshire say they are confident they will be able to maintain recent improvements in public safety, despite having to make savings of nearly £8 million in the next four years.
Members of the Fire Authority were told on Wednesday 11th February to expect ongoing cuts of 8% a year from their central Government funding – meaning that savings of nearly £8 million will be needed over the next four years.
They set a budget of £42.2 million for 2015-16 after confirming revenue savings of £1.9 million, made up of £950,000 from value for money reviews across back office areas and the same amount from changes in emergency response services.
In addition, the Authority agreed to increase its Council Tax level by 1.99% which means the amount for a Band D home will be £70.46 – an extra 2.6p per week or £1.37 a year.
Fire Authority Chair Cllr. John Joyce said "By improving the efficiency of all aspects of the organisation we have been able to limit our Council Tax increase to under two per cent.
"We know these are difficult times for many families but this small increase combined with the major savings we have made are essential to ensure we can continue to provide communities across Cheshire with a first class fire and rescue service in the future.
"Our programme to improve the flexibility and efficiency of our frontline emergency response services includes changing how some stations are staffed but we are confident this will be achieved without making any firefighters redundant."
Chief Fire Officer Paul Hancock added: "The latest figures show that the number of fires in Cheshire is at an all-time low, while the number of fire-related injuries has also reduced.
"We know there are still big challenges ahead but the changes we are introducing are helping us to ensure we don't compromise on our commitment to protecting local communities, reducing risk and maintaining firefighters' safety."
The Authority also approved a capital programme for 2015-16 which includes: £840,000 for three new fire engines; £700,000 on a new hydraulic platform to help firefighters work at height and £170,000 to fit all fire engines with new computers so crews can get the latest risk information.
Residents' overall Council Tax bills are made up of money needed to fund local councils, Cheshire Police and Cheshire Fire Authority. Cheshire East Council and Alderley Edge Parish Council have both agreed to freeze their part of the Council Tax for 2015/16, whilst both Cheshire Police and Cheshire Fire Authority are increasing theirs by 1.99%.
