A PROPOSED merger between Dorset and Wiltshire & Swindon fire services is looking increasingly likely after getting public support.

The results of a public consultation and feedback from residents' forums on the move will be made known to an extraordinary meeting of Dorset Fire Authority next week.

A report to the meeting on Tuesday, November 4 shows there is an 'overwhelming majority' in support of the combination, which would save up to £6 million.

Three options were put to the public regarding the merger:

  • Dorset Fire Authority to stay independent and increase collaboration with the county council
  • Dorset Fire Authority to stay independent and increase collaboration with Wiltshire & Swindon Fire Authority while also collaborating with the county council
  • Dorset Fire Authority to merge with Wiltshire & Swindon Fire Authority to create a single Combined Fire Authority while also collaborating with the county council plus Swindon and Wiltshire councils

Option three was the most popular choice, the report says. The papers going to the meeting also give fire authority members a business case to consider which indicates that £4 - 6m could be saved should the two fire authorities decide to combine.

Public consultation ran for 13 weeks, finishing on October 20. It included residents' forums in different towns including Weymouth.

Meanwhile, in its response, the Fire Brigades' Union said 'local, as well as national, political decision-making had created the financial circumstances being faced.' It said the consultation approach was 'flawed' as the public should have been consulted over a greater fire-precept level to create a financially sound situation less reliant on the retained duty system and allowing the age profile of the workforce to be rebalanced.

Unison said it acknowledged a merger was the preferred option for support staff.

The Fire Officers' Association (FOA) said it preferred option 3.

Chairman of Dorset Fire Authority Cllr Rebecca Knox said: “I know that when Dorset Fire Authority members meet next week they will want to ensure a safe, strong and sustainable fire and rescue service for the counties of Dorset and Wiltshire. The funding we will receive from government if the combination goes ahead shows their support for the project and the benefits it will bring to both counties.”

Chief Fire Officer Darran Gunter said: “All public services face some significant and inescapable financial challenges.

“We have a fantastic fire and rescue service in Dorset and I am committed to protecting as far as possible the vital prevention and response arrangements we have.

“It is my view that a combination with the Wiltshire and Swindon Fire Authority is the option that will offer the best protection to frontline services and additionally improves our overall resilience.

"This is by far the most important meeting of the Dorset Fire Authority since its inception.”