An extra £78 million has been allocated from the government to the Fire and Rescue Authorities in England to assist them in improving their estate.

This is the first time new money for capital investment has been given to all Fire and Rescue Services (FRS) in England. This includes the freedom to undertake small refurbishments, more major building works or other capital projects.

Each FRS will receive a minimum of £1million spread over the two financial years 2009/10 and 2010/11, with a top up based on population numbers. The services are free to decide how they spend the funds.

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Announcing the capital grant Fire Minister Sadiq Khan said: "This investment for the fire services' estate gives them all the opportunity to upgrade their buildings. This is additional money to every single Fire and Rescue Authority in the country. Each area will be able to decide for itself whether this extra money is used to tackle the more serious repairs, replacements or upgrades, or provide additional facilities such as those for female firefighters, or those for the community in helping spread the fire safety message across all age groups. For some it may help them to meet their Integrated Risk Management and Asset Management Plans by contributing to new and better focussed fire stations.

"This additional money builds on the £500 million allocated through the PFI programme over the last 10 years and signals Government's continuing commitment to the Fire and Rescue Service."

(JM)