Date: 18th March, 2026
Recently CFO Andy Cole provided an update on the MP engagement he has received regarding the public consultation for the proposal of the eight fire station closures. We wanted to share this with you to keep you as informed as possible:
“These last couple of weeks have been really busy. I’ve attended 13 public consultation events across Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service at six of the the eight locations which have been proposed for closure.
These sessions have provided a valuable opportunity for the Fire & Rescue Authority to outline the financial challenges facing the Service and to explain the data and analysis that will support them in reaching their decision. The sessions so far have allowed members of the public, staff and all other attendees to share their views through the consultation survey and, if they wish, to raise these issues with their MPs.
Since taking up this role, I have written to all 16 of our local MPs at least half a dozen times. I have been making the case for greater council tax flexibility and fairer funding for fire. While the recent three-year settlement and the £5 council tax flexibility enabling us to raise council tax to £1.86 per week (£96.95 per year) for the average Band D household are welcome, it does not address the financial pressures we continue to face. The ongoing public consultation has generated some positive engagement with our local MPs. Just this week, we have seen a lot of activity in the House of Commons, including:
Edward Morello MP (West Dorset) – Early Day Motion on funding for Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Brian Mathew MP (Melksham & Devizes) – Adjournment debate on Thursday 12 March
Neil Duncan Jordan MP (Poole) – Early Day Motion to prevent closure of Hamworthy fire station, he has also written to the Fire Minister to request a meeting
John Glen MP (Salisbury) – secured a meeting with the Fire Minister, myself and Ryan, our Director of Finance.
Dr Andrew Murrison MP (South West Wiltshire) – raised a question at Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday 11 March and requested a meeting for all Dorset & Wiltshire MPs
Whether this activity ultimately results in improved funding for our Service, remains to be seen. However, I am really grateful to these MPs for their support and the increased attention being given to this important issue.”
We would encourage everyone to engage with the consultation process, either by attending the meetings, and/or completing our consultation survey. All the details can be found on our website – www.dwfire.org.uk/proposed-station-closures/