Derbyshire: Fire service sets out budget reduction plans

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service is asking for views on the proposed budget savings

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service (DFRS) has outlined cuts it intends to make in response to "increased financial pressure".

Fire chiefs have outlined a range of proposals which could save the authority £543,000 during 2024-25.

They said the cuts would not affect front-line services but the deletion of long-term vacancies and a review of vacant posts were being considered.

Feedback from residents is being sought through an online consultation.

Money-saving proposals include bringing light vehicle maintenance back in-house, recouping £113,000, and a reduction in spend on consumable items, saving £55,000.

Changes to the way training is administered is being considered to save money

Match funding for sprinkler installation is being removed. Fire chiefs said this would save £43,000 to compensate for the reduction in grant funding.

The plans also include a review of IT contracts, extending use of computers and a switch to Android devices to save a further £52,000.

Other savings include the deletion of long-term vacancies, a move to in-house training and a review of allowances which aims to save a total of £119,000.

A DFRS spokesperson said: "The past few years have seen a considerable increase in the financial pressures faced by all in Derbyshire. The fire and rescue service has equally had to deal with spiralling costs of inflation, energy and interest rates.

"The raising of money through council tax precepts and implementing savings are the two significant measures the service controls to support investment into DFRS, and to assure that its future resilience for Derbyshire communities is not compromised."