Cheshire fire chiefs approve council tax rise of 1.99%

Halton Council is set to impose an increase of 3.9 per cent and Cheshire Police is putting up its precept by 3.2 per cent.

Fire chiefs have already made savings of just under £1 million.

Cheshire Fire Authority has been warned of further cuts in Government funding which will mean savings of almost £5.1m will need to be found over the next four years.

A new budget of £42m for 2016-17 has been agreed by the authority.

The 1.99 council tax rise means an annual charge of £71.86 for a band D home or 2.7 pence a week.

Cheshire Fire Authority chairman Cllr John Joyce said: “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.”

A major capital programme will include funding the £17.5 million cost of four new stations and a safety centre from grants and reserves.

A new fire station in Penketh is already taking shape near Fiddlers Ferry power station.

Other key projects include:

• £1,143,000 for four new fire engines

• £814,000 on new cutting gear used by crews to rescue people from road traffic collisions

• £154,000 to replace two boats, trailers and vehicles which respond to floods and water rescues

• £76,000 to replace and upgrade defibrillators on all fire engines

Chief Fire Officer Paul Hancock said: “I am delighted that despite the fact the authority is facing ongoing financial cuts, it has still agreed to invest in our frontline response and instead of closing stations, fund more.

“There are still big challenges ahead but the commitment to protecting local communities, reducing risk and maintaining firefighters’ safety is paramount.

“That is ensuring that the overall number of fires in Cheshire continues to decline while injuries in accidental house fires remain at their lowest ever level.”