Have your say on proposed increase for fire service precept

Cheshire Fire Authority is seeking views on its proposal to increase its share of council tax by 1.99% for 2020-21.

The increase would see the precept levied by Cheshire Fire Authority on the average band D property in Cheshire increase by £1.55 per year (approximately 3p per week) to £79.29.

The Authority says the increase will enable them to continue to maintain fire prevention, protection and emergency response services across Cheshire in addition to costs such as inflation, fuel, equipment and other day-to-day running costs.

In addition, the Authority also faces cost pressures associated with providing support to frontline services, such as improvements to the Service's IT infrastructure and the repair and maintenance of fire hydrants.

Cheshire Fire Authority chairman Cllr Bob Rudd said: "Over the past 12 months, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service has really demonstrated how vital it is when responding to major incidents such as the Beechmere fire in Crewe, as well as all the prevention and protection work that the staff undertake.

"We should not underestimate the value of our firefighters and the fire service as a whole, and I hope that this year's proposed increase – which equates to just an extra 13 pence a month – will be supported by the residents of Cheshire."

Meanwhile the Authority has undertaken a review of the whole Service, which has identified proposals to improve how it prevents and protects communities from, and responds to, fire and other emergencies.

Subject to the outcome of the consultation on these proposals, which is currently underway, this will mean investing in better equipment and additional vehicles. Much of this investment is being met by realigning current budgets to prioritise essential expenditure.

This consultation on the Authority's 2020-21 budget will run until Monday 3 February 2020. You can provide your views by completing the short survey.

Fire Authority members will consider the results of this consultation at the meeting of the Authority on Wednesday 12th February 2020.