Wiltshire Council stalled once again on giving a view over Wiltshire and Swindon Fire Authority's future at its full council meeting yesterday.
It is anticipated the Government will reduce funding for the fire authority by half in the next few years, which amounts to 20 per cent of the service’s budget.
Among solutions being considered is a merger with Dorset Fire and Rescue Service in a bid to avoid frontline cuts. The Government has announced £5.54m of funds to enable the merger, if it is the option taken up.
A motion put forward by Trowbridge independent councillor Jeff Osborn yesterday urged the council to back the option for a merger with the Dorset service.
But the council voted to not commit to any option until it has assurances over some of its concerns.
The council is worried about the gap in funding, uncertainly with regard to equalisation of precepts and the governance arrangements which it is said could disadvantage Wiltshire.
Monday saw the end of a three-month consultation on a number of options, of which the merger with the Dorset service was one.
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