Plans to merge Northumberland and Cumbria fire safety services have been scrapped after an investigation revealed that it would not be cost-effective.
Fire officials from the services had considered the benefits of a merger earlier this year in a bid to make efficiency savings. However, a study has found that the union would result in Cumbrian residents paying more council tax.
Gary Strong, Cumbria County Council's cabinet member for community safety and local services, claimed the merger was axed simply due to costs.
He told BBC News: "The cost of running the fire service in Northumberland is higher than here in Cumbria, so in Northumberland they face larger council tax contributions.
"Therefore, under any merger Cumbria would pay more and there is no way round this because council tax rules prevent cross-subsidy. Increasing the financial burden on Cumbrian taxpayers is not a position we want to get into."
Mr Strong added that the council will continue to look at ways to improve the provision of fire services in the county despite the collapse of the move.
Source: Fire Industry Association
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