Poor payout for Dorset Police

From the Salisbury Journal, first published Friday 14th Dec 2007.

DORSET fire chiefs are reeling following one of the poorest government payouts in the country - one they argue will put lives at risk.

Dorset Chief Fire Officer Darran Gunter, who has written to local MPs and Fire Minister Parmjit Dhanda expressing grave concerns, says the funding shortfall could mean fewer fire engines or even station closures countywide.

Despite expectations of an annual four per cent hike for the next three years, Dorset Fire and Rescue Service will receive a one percent increase next financial year, followed by 0.5 per cent in 2009/2010 and one per cent the year after.

Mr Gunter said: "Undoubtedly this settlement will directly and adversely affect the service we provide. The activities we have planned to sustain and in some cases improve the safety of our community had been based on low but equitable budget increases over the next three years.

"Increases of one per cent for next year and half a percent for the year after means we will have little choice but to make cuts in our services."

Dorset Fire Authority chairman David Fox said he was "shocked and dismayed" by the settlement.

The government grant, which this year stood at £10.73 million, makes up 40 per cent of fire authority funding, with the remaining 60 per cent financed by council tax.

In 2006/07 Dorset was the cheapest fire and rescue service in England and according to a recent Audit Commission assessment, it is one of the best financially performing fire services nationwide.

Mr Fox said: "We are rewarded for that excellent performance by one of the poorest financial settlements from government.

"Eighty per cent of our fire budget goes on pay and with pay awards at the rate of inflation, the three-year settlement will not even cover one year's inflation.

"The government describes the three-year settlement as fair and affordable.' To us, the settlement is neither fair' nor affordable' and will have a significant impact on the service we deliver to the people of Dorset."

These sentiments were echoed by Mr Gunter, who pointed out government-backed modernisation plans could suffer due to the funding dip.

He said: "It is a settlement that will have serious implications for Dorset Fire and Rescue Service and thereafter the communities that we serve and protect."

No government spokesperson was available for comment.

Archive Home