'Ongoing financial uncertainty' has forced the fire authority covering Dorset to increase its share of the council tax pie, says service leaders.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority has approved a budget of £73.9 million for 2024-25.

At its meeting, on Thursday, February 8, the authority agreed to increase its share of the council tax by 2.99%.

It says this is less than 5p per week for Band D properties – an annual fire precept for Band D of £86.95 for the Fire and Rescue Service for the year starting on April 1.

The full council tax bill for Dorset residents will not be known until other authorities have approved their budgets.

Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell said: “Balancing the budget for 2024-25 has been extremely difficult and the service faces some significant financial challenges in the medium term.

"We are a lean fire and rescue service with a strong track record of performance, efficiency savings and ensuring value for money.

"However, we will need to look at a significant programme of work, based on our recent fire cover review and other data, to ensure we continue to serve communities in the most efficient and effective way possible.”

Cllr Rebecca Knox, Chair of Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority, said: “Members unanimously agreed that the 2.99% increase was the only viable option in the face of the ongoing financial uncertainty.

"We know that any increase is difficult for bill-payers, but our council tax level remains below the national average, and we believe strongly that our fire and rescue service provides excellent value for money.”

During the meeting members also elected Cllr Paul Oatway as Vice-Chair of the authority, following the passing of Cllr Bob Jones in January. Cllr Oatway is a member of Wiltshire Council and councillor for Pewsey Vale West. He has been a member of the Fire & Rescue Authority since June 2017.