Money chiefs at the fire authority are flashing red warning lights over a looming Covid-related £1m budget deficit. A meeting last week heard that the Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Fire Authority is lobbying the government over the developing situation. “We are in quite a difficult position financially,” said Mark Hemming, the authority’s director of finance and assets. “We’re currently looking at a deficit of around about £1 million for next year. ” Mr Hemming’s report to last week s meeting (December 9) outlined possible actions if the authority’s finances suffer as expected from a knock on effect of Covid. Much of the fire service’s budget comes from council tax and business rates, which have both been hit by the pandemic. More council tax payers are claiming benefits, the meeting heard.