Missing man dies in hospital
AN elderly man who went missing in Cornwall and spent the night out in the cold died in hospital, despite being found and given medical help.
The 89-year-old who went missing from Falmouth, left his home at 6.30pm on Thursday for a walk and did not return.
Overnight, emergency services and West Cornwall Search & Rescue Team searched the area in the hope of finding the man.
He was eventually located and taken to hospital to be treated, following his ordeal.
An update on West Cornwall Search & Rescue Team’s
Facebook page said, however, that his family confirmed that he passed away in hospital.
DEVON and Somerset residents will see a 1.99% rise in their contribution to the running of the fire service as part of budget plans to recruit more firefighters.
The Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority, when they met last Friday, almost unanimously approved the recommended budget for 2021/22, which was predicated on a 1.99% council tax rise. It means the average Band D property will have to pay £90 a year towards the fire service, a rise of £1.74.
An alternative option that would have seen council tax frozen was rejected as it would have led to a budget shortfall of more than £1 million.
As part of the approved budget, the authority agreed to consider investing in an increased establishment for a three-year period for 12 development firefighters, year-on-year, to support a strategic workforce planning.
Amy Webb, director of finance and resourcing, added in her report: “The budget provides an opportunity to support reform of the service now and in the future.
“In January 2020, a number of significant changes were approved by the authority which better aligned resources to risk.
“Underpinning the Safer Together programme is the new on-call payment system which is expected to improve recruitment, retention and ultimately the safety of our communities by improving availability of fire engines.”
Councillor Mark Healey said: “As much as we don’t want to raise the precept, we have to do so for the future. This is a good budget for where we are going.”