Authority freezes precept - but fires warning

GREATER Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority (GMFRA) has warned of a difficult future as it vowed to keep up the pressure for a “fair grant settlement” from the Government.

Authority members finalised the 2012-13 budget and agreed to freeze its precept on council tax and make savings of £6.5m.

Chairman David Acton, a Trafford councillor, said: “There is no question about it, we are fighting for our resources as we are facing unprecedented cuts in our budget.

“Savings made last year and reductions planned for the future currently total £19 million over a four-year period. If nothing changes with the current grant situation, there could be a further £10 million to save in the next few years.

“So far we have managed to achieve this without closing fire stations and without the need for compulsory redundancies. But if the national grant formula doesn’t alter, then there will be a difficult road ahead.”

The Fire Service has reduced staff by 400 through the loss of 300 uniformed posts and 100 support roles. Further savings will be made through a range of measures, including a new rostering system at stations. The fire authority is taking advantage of a Government grant to local authorities setting a zero rise in council tax.