Essex firefighters are costing more each year because of increases in pensions, expenses and salaries.

The Essex Fire Authority - which covers Southend and Thurrock as well Essex County Council areas - has spent £51.5million this year according to its Statement of Accounts.

This includes buying and maintaining buildings and equipment and salaries.

One of the next biggest costs was pensions.

The report explained that the authority is having to put more aside for pensions each year, to meet growing costs.

It said: "Due to the increasing costs of funding the firefighter's pension scheme, the authority decided in 1999/2000 to create a provision for firefighters pension costs to help meet the growing liabilities.

"In 2002/03 the planned contribution to the provision was £200,000. The actual contribution was £275,000, due to an underspend within the total budget. This is in addition to the £1.558million already set aside giving a total balance of £1.833million."

Published Friday January 2, 2004

Brought to you by the Evening Echo