FIRE Authority chiefs have expressed their relief that a forecasted £25,000 overspend is not much greater because of tough government demands to slash £1.5m from its budget

At the end of August, the Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Authority believed it was heading to an underspend of £20,000.

But by the close of September, the monthly revised forecast predicted a swing of £45,000 to make a £25,000 overspend for 2003/4.

The increase in spending was down to a revision of full-time firefighters' wages, rising fuel prices and the replacement of alarms for some retained firefighters.

Performance

Worcestershire County Councillor Richard Udall, a member of the authority, said he was satisfied with the budgetary performance.

"I am relieved with the level of overspend so close to the end of the financial year.

"Council tax capping has been the main financial pressure on the authority this year," he said.

He added that the authority's commitment to save £1.5m, while avoiding job cuts, had been a great achievement during a stressful year.

The meeting is to inform members of the budget position of the Combined Fire Authority for 2004/5 will take place on Friday at County Hall, Spetchley Road, Worcester.