A CONSULTATION into a potential rise in the fire service’s council tax precept is running until next month.
The Royal Berkshire Fire Authority (RBFA) is proposing to increase the amount the average Band D property pays by £5 a year – less than 10p a week.
At the moment, the bill is £68.95.
The chairman of the authority, Cllr Colin Dudley, said in a letter that two-thirds of the fire service’s revenue comes from this precept, while the rest comes from business rates and government grants.
He pledged that the service would continue to offer value for money, while delivering £2.4 million worth of savings by March this year.
“Whilst we have been able to use some of these savings to invest in the vital services that we provide to the public, we have also had to reduce expenditure in certain areas to balance our budget. Taking 2015/16 as the base year, central Government funding has fallen by 22%,” he said.
The precept, he added, ensures the service can offer a swift and effective response when called to emergencies, and ensure appropriate fire safety standards in buildings.
It also helps with educating people on how to prevent fires and other emergencies, and what to do when they happen.
Cllr Dudley added: “We are determined to continue to provide a safe and efficient service, while meeting changing local needs and balancing the budget. We believe that the plans we have put in place over the last few years have provided a good foundation to meet that challenge.
“In order for us to carry out those plans, Royal Berkshire Fire Authority is asking for an increase of £5 in Council Tax in 2022/23 for a Band D household, which equates to less than 10p per week.
“This increase will enable us to continue to build resilience in our frontline services and assets so that we can deliver a modern and effective fire service for all residents in Royal Berkshire.”
The consultation on the rise is open to everyone who lives, works or travels in Berkshire, and is open until 5pm on Tuesday, February 1.
To take part, visit https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/TQQMQYC
Alternatively, email: precepting@rbfrs.co.uk
