Fire crews could be cut in County Durham as service faced financial 'cliff edge'

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Authority is looking at ways to balance its books amid falling government funding, rising costs and uncertainty over its future finances.

And members of the authority, which oversees County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS), have warned a ‘very concerning’ financial situation could force difficult decisions to be made.

“We’ve got the cliff edge in 2028 when we don’t know what’s happening,” said authority member and Durham County Councillor Richard Bell.

“It could lead to removing appliances and cutting services.”

Keith Lazzari, director of corporate resources at CDDFRS, added the authority was facing a squeeze and currently expects to face a shortfall of just over £1m by 2028.

But that could grow to more than £3m the following year if temporary government funding is withdrawn.

Mr Lazzari said: “If this funding is withdrawn, there’ll be a significant funding gap from 2029 onwards.

“In view of this uncertainty, the authority will need to continue to prepare for the possibility of further reductions.”

CDDFRS is also facing pressure from inflation and staff pay rises.

More than 60 per cent of the authority’s funding now comes from council tax.

The service has already found around £500,000 of savings which do not involve staff pay, but further options will have to be considered as it attempts to balance future budgets.

Councillors will examine potential savings over the coming months before recommendations for the 2027/28 budget are put before the Fire Authority in February.