CHESHIRE fire chiefs have increased the amount of money needed from council tax to help claw back more than £5 million over the next four years due to funding cuts.

Members of the Fire Authority were told on Wednesday to expect ongoing reductions in their central government funding.

This will mean savings of nearly £5.1 million will be needed over the next four years, and just under £1 million in the next financial year.

Fire bosses agreed a new £42 million budget to fund their operations in Cheshire for 2016-17 and subsequently increased the amount needed from Council Tax by 1.99 per cent.

Residents’ overall Council Tax bills are made up of money needed to fund local councils, Cheshire Constabulary and Cheshire Fire Authority.

It means the charge for a Band D home will be £71.86 – an increase of 2.7p a week or £1.40 a year.

“We know these are difficult times for many families but this small increase combined with the major savings we have made are essential to ensure we can continue to provide communities across Cheshire with a first class fire and rescue service in the future,” said Fire Authority Chair Cllr. John Joyce.

At the meeting the Fire Authority also approved a major capital programme.

This will include using grants and reserves to fund the £17.5 million needed to build four new stations and a safety centre from.

One new station at Alsager opened late last year while work is now underway on sites in Penketh and Powey Lane near the M56.

Construction on a new response hub and safety centre in Lymm starting next month.

Other key projects in the capital programme for 2016-17 include £1,143,000 for four new fire engines, £814,000 on new cutting gear used by crews to rescue people from road traffic collisions , £154,000 to replace two boats, trailers and vehicles which respond to floods and water rescues and £76,000 to replace and upgrade defibrillators on all fire engines.

Chief Fire Officer Paul Hancock said: “I am delighted that despite the fact the Authority is facing ongoing financial cuts, it has still agreed to invest in our frontline response and instead of closing stations, fund more.

“There are still big challenges ahead but the commitment to protecting local communities, reducing risk and maintaining firefighters’ safety is paramount.

“That is ensuring that the overall number of fires in Cheshire continues to decline while injuries in accidental house fires remain at their lowest ever level.”