Fire service's cash demand

Devon has a shortfall of about 100 retained firefighters

Council tax payers in Devon are likely to have to pay more for their fire service next year as the authority sets its own budget for the first time.

It is being advised that reserves of 3.5% should be built in to its budget to cover any unforeseen shortfall.

This year it is costing about £40m to run Devon Fire and Rescue Service.

That sum is currently allocated to the fire authority by Devon, Torbay and Plymouth councils.

But, from next April, the service will set its own precept for the first time and make a direct call on the council tax in the same way that the police authority does.

It is too early to estimate what the budget increase will be, but with pay awards rising by 7% and reserves likely to be set at 3.5%, the hike is likely to be above the rate of inflation.