HEREFORD and Worcester Fire Brigade has warned that lives and jobs could be under threat if the government goes ahead with 'capping' the service's budget.

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has challenged the brigade's 29.4 per cent rise, the highest in the country, and could force them to refund ratepayers by an average of £7 per household.

Richard Udall, chairman of the combined fire authority, said the decision, which he described as "unjustified" and "dangerous", could put lives at risk. "The decision to cap us is catastrophic. It will have an immediate impact on our ability to provide a frontline and responsive emergency service.

"I can't rule out the possibility of redundancies, whether these are fire fighters, officers or non-uniformed staff. The government is playing with fire. They are playing politics with people's lives, safety and jobs."

Local government minister Nick Raynsford singled out the brigade in parliament as he announced it was among seven authorities facing capping. He also said West Mercia Police could be capped next year because of a 14.9 per cent rise.

Brigade spokesman Alec Mackie said the increase was due to changes in the way the brigade is funded. "Last year we became responsible for collecting our own budgets, so we had to set up emergency reserves to pay for unforeseen emergencies, such as the Easter floods of 1998. Another additional cost has been implementing the government's modernisation programme."

The budget was fixed in February at £26.7 million, which the government has capped by £2.3m. For an average band D rate payer this will amount to a £7 saving from the Brigade's £60 share of the council tax bill.

The combined fire authority has 21 days in which to appeal against the decision and will discuss the matter at a meeting at County Hall on May 18.