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Fire chiefs have kept down the Council Tax increase needed to fund their services to 1.5 per cent but say it will still allow them to invest in key community safety projects.

Members of Cheshire Fire Authority have agreed a budget of £38.9 million for 2007/08 with the amount needed from householders in a Band D property set at £61 - £0.93 more than last year.

Fire Authority Chairman Tony Hooton said it had been possible to keep the increase down thanks to a combination of strong financial management in recent years, nearly £880,000 of efficiencies and savings,
together with a good grant settlement from the Government.
 
And he revealed that the budget would still see new developments including:

• Seven new community safety advocates appointed
• £115,000 to provide firefighters with new, improved protective equipment
• £50,000 to increase part-time advocates and home safety assessments in rural areas

“I am delighted that we have been able to limit the impact on local taxpayers but still launch new projects which will further reduce fire injuries and damage,” added Cllr. Hooton.

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