On 21 February 2013 the Dorset Fire Authority (DFA) approved a small increase to the local charge for the fire and rescue service (known as a precept).  After an in-depth presentation and robust discussions, the Authority decided to accept that without the additional precept funding, the Service would compromise frontline services and struggle to meet statutory requirements.

For more information regarding this decision, please review the following: 

• Driving efficiencies, An Overview of our efficiency savings
• Budgetary Frequently Answered Questions (FAQs)
• Dorset Fire Authority doing everything possible to protect frontline services - Press Release CL21.02.13.

From 1 April 2004, Dorset Fire Authority became a precepting authority. This means that instead of the costs of the Fire and Rescue Service being charged on a proportional basis to the three constituent authorities, a direct charge will be made to all council tax payers in the Authority area.