FIRE chiefs have approved a 2.6 pence per week rise in the fire precept element of council tax, it has been announced.
The rise, affecting Band D properties in Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset, comes as Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority approved its budget of £53.735 million.
This means the Band D precept will rise from £69.21 to £70.59 - an increase of £1.38 for the year.
Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell said: "Members have approved a fire precept Band D that is well below the national average, and we also this year received one of the largest funding reductions of all combined authorities, as the government has granted us 12.3 per cent less than last year."
Despite this smaller government grant, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) says it is investing even more in its on-call firefighters.
"Alongside this," said Mr Ansell, "we are committed to our prevention and protection activities."
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