RESIDENTS in Dorset will be asked how they think the fire brigade should spend its money in the light of drastic spending cuts.

With government cuts affecting public sector budgets and the level of service authorities can provide, Dorset Fire and Rescue Service is working to establish what communities want and need from their brigade.

The service did something similar last year when it received a reduction in grant of 1.05 per cent in grant for the 2011/12 financial year.

Fire brigades are facing 25 per cent cuts over the next few years which will change what they will be able to do.

Ministers are also reviewing funding arrangements for local authorities which further increases uncertainty over the finances. This is against a background where Dorset receives one of the lowest levels of government funding per head of population.

Members of the Dorset Fire Authority have approved a second survey of local residents in Dorset to help guide decisions on how to manage future budget cuts and levels of council tax.

Last year, residents and service users were asked to complete a short survey outlining the level of service they expected from Dorset Fire and Rescue Service and the level of service they were willing to pay for.

It also tried to establish if a drop in the level of service, in line with a drop in the level of funding, was acceptable to them.

Again in 2011 Dorset Fire Authority is working to establish what the communities of Dorset want and need from their Fire and Rescue Service.

Chief Fire Officer Darran Gunter said: “Dorset Fire and Rescue Service receives 18 per cent less than the national average in government funding per head of population and receives one of the lowest levels of funding in the country.

“Before and since the government announced their spending plans, Dorset Fire and Rescue Service was already looking at ways to make savings that would not adversely affect front line service.

“We are using this and last year’s residents’ surveys to assess what our residents expect from us and their opinion on a small rise in council tax in order to continue with the level of service we provide them.”

Dorset Fire Authority has a budget for 2011/12 of £29.3million which is made up of £11.3 million provided by a central government grant and £18million provided by local council tax.

Chairman of Dorset Fire Authority Rebecca Knox said: “Assessments have shown that Dorset Fire and Rescue Service makes effective and efficient use of its limited resources.

“One way in which we can reduce the impact of any reduction in Government grant is to consult with its communities and ensure that the level of council tax maintains the current standard of service delivery.”

The survey started on September 26 and will last until the end of the year. Results will be made available following a budget meeting next February.

An electronic version can be completed on the website dorsetfire.gov.uk