A multi-million-pound investment package will help transform the county's fire service.

On Wednesday, February 11, Cheshire Fire Authority members signed off a £61.7 million budget to run Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service in 2026/27.

Once again, funding will come from a blend of government grants and council tax, with the Authority agreeing to increase its precept by the equivalent of £5 a year for a Band D property.

Councillor Stef Nelson, chair of Cheshire Fire Authority, said: "In spite of rising cost pressures and no real‑terms increase in central government funding, I am pleased we have agreed a balanced budget that not only maintains our excellent fire and rescue provision but also ensures we can continue to make vital investments in our services.

"To balance the budget, we will make around £1.1m in savings, primarily by bringing down utility costs, continuing to reduce staff absence and overtime, and introducing a new structure in our Protection Department.

"A further £448,000 from reserves will fund essential one‑off costs.

"We are grateful to everyone who responded to our public consultation.

"The £5 annual increase in council tax will support our work towards our vision of 'a Cheshire with no deaths, injuries or damage from fire and other emergencies'."

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Alongside approving the service's budget for the next 12 months, members also agreed a major multi‑year capital investment programme to start from April.

This will be funded from the Authority's reserves and around £2m of borrowing – far less borrowing than originally planned owing to work to identify savings and efficiencies.

The capital plan includes the redevelopment of fire stations in Ellesmere Port and Warrington, as well as the refurbishment of stations in Malpas, Nantwich, Poynton and Stockton Heath.

Furthermore, £1.6 million will be spent on replacing firefighters' breathing apparatus in 2027/28, with further investment in a new digital mobilising system at the Northwest Fire Control in Warrington.

There will also be improvements made at the service's headquarters in Winsford, including the creation of a new Occupational Health Unit.