LOCAL residents are set to pay an extra £5 a year for fire and rescue services.
Staffordshire Commissioner Ben Adams is proposing a 5.85% increase in the council tax precept as part of his budget for 2025-26.
The increase would put an extra £5 on the annual council tax bill for a Band D property – the maximum rise allowed without a referendum.
In his report to the Police, Fire and Crime Panel, the commissioner says that the increase is necessary due to a £1million reduction in Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Government grant and the impact of the rise in employer National Insurance contributions.
He says he is also “very concerned” about the impact of future pay awards, which could exceed his budget assumptions.
He said:
“This budget must ensure that the Chief Fire Officer has the resources needed to deliver on his updated Community Risk Management Plan, national government and local priorities.
“With this and inflation and wage pressures in mind, I have concluded that the 2025-26 fire and rescue council tax precept should increase by 5.85%.
“This proposed increase, alongside the updated transformation work, is essential to protect our fire and rescue service from service reductions.
“I am acutely aware that household budgets are tight so I will always aim to keep council tax as low as possible without compromising the safety of our firefighters or the communities they serve.”
The fire and rescue service will be required to make £1million of new savings over the next four years, with a target of £400,000 in 2025-26.
Balancing the budget for the coming year will also include using £1.3million of reserves.
The proposed council tax increase will see the Band D fire precept increase from £86.77 to £91.77. This rise will be in addition to tax increases agreed by local councils.
The commissioner’s budget also include a £5.8million capital programme for 2025-26.
Members of the Police, Fire and Crime Panel will quiz Mr Adams on his proposed budget when they meet on Monday (10th February). They have already supported the commissioner’s proposed £14 increase in the policing council tax precept.