DORSET Fire and Rescue Service has escaped the huge government funding cuts which had threatened 999 emergency cover.

The service – that was braced for a grant reduction of up to 25 per cent – will receive £10,885,738 in 2011/12 compared to £11,001,258 in 2010/11, it has been announced.

Meanwhile, the county’s 2012/13 provisional settlement has been set at £11,090,002 – a small increase of nearly £90,000.

Dorset fire chief Darran Gunter said: “Overall, our funding position for the next two years, at least, is better than we anticipated.”

He added: “Over the coming weeks, members and officers will be considering the two year impact of this settlement together with emerging principles associated with council tax.

“Although the position is looking less grim, this settlement does not take inflation into account.

“When we do consider inflation, the settlement actually represents a real term reduction which means that we will still need to continue with plans to restructure the service to a greater or lesser degree in the New Year, to ensure service delivery.”