Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

The Authority met today in Salisbury.

An increase of 1.99% was agreed.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority had to budget allowing for a 12.3%  (£2m) reduction in its Local Government Finance Settlement - one of the highest funding reductions compared to other combined fire authorities.

The new precept will see a Band D resident paying £1.38 a year more, taking the precept to £70.59.  The average elsewhere in the country is £74.00 a year.

Those of you living (or soon to live) in Trowbridge parish will, no doubt, realise that your new fire precept is far less than what Trowbridge Town Council will be taking from your pocket next financial year - and they won't put your house out if it is on fire or cut you out of a car wreck.....