Wiltshire urged to give views in Fire Service funding reform consultation
Wiltshire MPs have raised concerns about public safety due to a funding shortfall at Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Resuc
Last updated 31st Jul 2025
People in Wiltshire are being encouraged to have their say on calls for changes in how our fire and rescue service is funded.
A public consultation into funding reforms for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) has been set up following a letter to Government from four Wiltshire MPs.
They warn that an improved funding model is required to ensure fire services remain "fit for purpose" and keep the public safe.
The letter, from Wiltshire's Brian Mathew, Sarah Gibson, Roz Savage and Swindon's Will Stone, was sent in the wake of the most recent financial settlement, which led DWFRS to make cuts to frontline services.
This included five stations lose a second fire engine, while prevention provision has been cut by 60% and youth intervention work stopped.
The quartet say the Chief Fire Officer has warned them that fire stations may have to close due to funding shortfalls.
The group acknowledges an extra £1.8 million was received thanks to an increase in the amount of council tax handed to the service.
But they say this has been circumvented thanks to the "complete removal" of three grant schemes in the Local Government Finance Settlement, leaving the Fire Service no better off.
The Chief Fire Officer considers the situation "untenable", with firefighter numbers in Dorset and Wiltshire down almost a third (27%) since 2008, while 999 incidents are up 9% and the area's population has grown by 7% in the same period.
The online consultation is open until 15th August and can be found here.
An MHCLG spokesperson said: “We understand the challenges fire services are facing, and we are determined to deliver better public services through our Plan for Change.
“Fire and Rescue Authorities have received almost £3 billion in the last financial year to support our brave firefighters and help them protect our communities, and we continue to give them our full support.”