Funding for rural fire and rescue services

That this House recognises the outstanding and lifesaving work by Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service and fire services across the United Kingdom; notes with concern the proposed closure of Charmouth and Maiden Newton Fire Stations in West Dorset; further notes that the proposals are driven by sustained central government funding pressures; highlights that total revenue funding for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is estimated at £79.5 million in 2026–27, while the centrally controlled Revenue Support Grant is projected to fall from £12.8 million in 2026–27 to £10.3 million by 2028–29, a reduction of almost 20 per cent over three years; further recognises that flexibility on the fire precept does not compensate for reductions in core grant, particularly in rural areas where council tax base growth is lower than national assumptions relied on by funding formulas; also notes rising and unavoidable cost pressures, including increases in employer National Insurance contributions not fully covered by government funding, alongside higher fuel, energy and contract costs; acknowledges that station closures would require neighbouring stations, to cover significantly larger areas without corresponding upgrades or additional funding; also recognises that West Dorset’s population rises by up to 42 per cent during summer months and suffers significant flooding pressure, increasing seasonal risk, and dangerous country roads like the A35; and therefore calls on the Government to review the fire and rescue funding settlement to ensure fair and sustainable central government funding for rural and coastal services, so that public safety is protected.