ROYAL Berkshire Fire and Rescue Authority has opened its consultation on tax funding for the next financial year.
The authority which oversees fire and rescue services in the region is encouraging anyone that lives or works in Berkshire to have their say.
Part of the survey seeks views from residents on support for a proposed rise of £5 in Council Tax to help fund its strategy and plans through 2027.
It comes amid funding changes to the services, which Cllr Jeff Brooks, chair of Royal Berkshire Fire Authority, said were “less favourable” than previous years in an open letter to residents.
Cllr Brooks explained that cuts would “leave the authority in the lowest 25% of precepting fire authorities in the country.”
The authority is seeking to make savings of more than £860,000
Chair of Royal Berkshire Fire Authority, Councillor Brooks, said: “As Chair of the Fire Authority, I am acutely aware of the financial pressures that all residents must contend with.
“Therefore, it is important for you to know that the Fire Authority is committed to providing excellent services as well as delivering value for money.
“As part of the plan to balance the budget for 2025/26, Royal Berkshire Fire Authority will deliver a significant programme of savings next year, amounting to £863,000.”
“However, this will still leave the Fire Authority with a large funding shortfall for next year, which means I am recommending that we raise the Band D precept by £5 per annum to £86.31 in order to maintain current service levels to the public.
“This will most likely still leave the Authority in the lowest quartile of precepting fire authorities in the country.”
The survey is running until noon on Friday, January 31.
Residents can take part via: surveymonkey.com/r/85LHWT5
