Guardian News
New engines to power fire service
2:17pm Thursday 16th February 2012
CHESHIRE Fire Authority has pledged to invest more money to protect Cheshire residents despite freezing its portion of Council Tax for the second year in a row.
A trio of new standard fire engines and four four-wheel drive vehicles are due to come into force, at a cost of £864,000, to ensure the front-line emergency fleet is kept up-to-date and improve its ability to respond in severe weather.
Other proposals include a £150,000 investment in mobile technology so firefighters, community safety advocates and technical fire safety staff can work more efficiently and effectively at incidents, homes and business premises.
The investment was agreed at the latest meeting of the Fire Authority, when members set the organisation's budget for the 2012/13 period at £44.1million and agreed its tax level should stay unchanged at £66.43 for a Band D home – equivalent to £1.28 per week.
The figure for a Band A property is £44.29 and ranges up to £132.86 for Band H.
Fire Authority chairman clr David Topping said the freeze had been possible due to £1million in efficiencies and savings, meaning key safety projects could still be supported.
"These are very difficult times financially for everyone but I am delighted that by making these efficiencies we have been able to freeze our Council Tax level as well continuing to invest in frontline services,” he said.
"We have been recognised as the leading fire and rescue service in the country and I believe being able to protect our communities for less than £1.28 a week for an average household represents excellent value for money.”
The authority expects that it will still need to make a further £2million in savings up until the 2014-2015 period to make up for cuts in Government funding.