MEMBERS of Wiltshire and Swindon Combined Fire Authority have unanimously voted in favour of combining with neighbouring county Dorset.
Dorset Fire Authority had already unanimously agreed to the move at a meeting held in Dorchester on 4 November and now Wiltshire has done the same.
A 13 week public consultation showed an overwhelming preference from residents, businesses and partners across both counties for combination, not just for financial reasons but also for efficiency and resilience.
Combination with Dorset was also the strong recommendation of chief fire officer Simon Routh-Jones and chief finance officer Phil Chow, as it would enable the organisation to maintain a safe, strong and sustainable Fire and Rescue Service that sits in the heart of local communities.
Residents in Wiltshire, Swindon, Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole will also all pay the same in council tax towards the precept for fire.
The intention is that a new Combined Fire Authority would come in to existence on 1 April 2016.
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