The plan is open for public consultation until 13 May. The plans details how the DWFRA plans to work smarter and put every penny of the budget to its best use.

It sets out the key challenges and risks over the coming years, and details what the authority intends to carry on doing and what will be reviewed, to continue providing a high level of service to the communities of Dorset and Wiltshire.

Ben Ansell, chief fire officer said, “Our fire and rescue service is a high performing organisation and Government inspectors have rated us as Good in their three inspection areas of efficiency, effectiveness, and how well we look after our most important asset, which is our people. Since forming in 2016, we have made over £6.5 million of savings each year, which has helped us to protect and strengthen frontline services. We cost less than the average fire and rescue service in England, and at 21 pence per day for a Band D property, we believe that we are offering very good value for money for the vital services we provide.

“Whilst there is a lot of economic uncertainty around the money we will get, or be allowed to raise, we estimate that in 2022-2023 we will have an annual budget gap of around £1.5 million, rising to around £3 million each year over the lifetime of this draft plan. Working with others is central to how we deliver our services, and this will continue to be at the heart of everything we do. So, I would encourage everyone to look at the draft plan and give us feedback – your views are really important to us.”

The draft plan, accompanying summary video and a feedback form can be found at www.dwfire.org.uk/draft-community-safety-plan-2021-24-consultation – the closing date for comments is 13 May. Feedback can also be emailed to consultation@dwfire.org.uk.