New charge for fire services

Taxpayers in Shropshire are facing an extra charge of nearly £80 next year to pay for the county's fire and rescue service.

It is the first time a separate levy for fire services has been imposed on top of council tax bills set by the county council and Telford and Wrekin Council.

From April 2004 there will be a separate precept which is predicted to be about £78.

A report to be discussed by members of the fire authority on Thursday warns that next year's spending is likely to rise by 22% to more than £18.5m.

The report says some of the extra money is for the firefighters' pay increase and more money will also be needed to fund the move to a new fire and ambulance headquarters on the outskirts of Shrewsbury.