São Brás de Alportel Council are to include some new measures in the new Regulation for the Allocation of Social Benefits to Volunteer Firefighters.
Support for housing in the municipality, reductions in water tariffs and urban planning taxes and support for children are just some of the measures the local authority says are introduced to “value volunteering, attract new people and support those who risk their lives for us”.
“This regulation aims to recognise the invaluable contribution of the operatives of the Volunteer Fire Department of São Brás de Alportel."
The benefits provided include annual financial support for expenses related to own or rented housing in the municipality, reductions in water tariffs and urban planning fees, and exemption from connection fees to public water supply and sanitation networks.There will also be, among other benefits, support for the entry of new firefighters and free access to municipal equipment and events, as well as access to leisure programs and scholarships for children of firefighters.
The proposed regulation is now subject to public consultation and will come into force after publication in the Official Gazette.
