Cheshire fire authority approves a £5 council tax rise for Band D homes to address budget pressures and maintain services.
A consultation revealed that sixty-four percent of people favored the rise. The fire authority is supported by local tax and government funds, with council tax covering over two-thirds of their funding. However, the fire authority faces some money problems.
These problems include extra national insurance costs and upcoming pay increases for staff. Contracted services have also become more expensive. While they tried budget changes first, they still have to deal with these pressures.
Cllr Stef Nelson thanked those who gave feedback, recognizing the tight household finances and uncertain climate. She acknowledged that the fire authority faces funding issues too, but they must keep services running.
The small tax rise should help maintain these essential services. Efficiency and cost cuts will continue to be implemented, as they want to keep people in Cheshire safe. Their focus remains on prevention, protection, and emergency response.
The changes are part of the 2024-2028 plan, which manages community risk. The council tax changes are listed below by band. Band A will increase by £3.33, going from £60.06 to £63.39.
Band B goes from £70.07 to £73.96, an increase of £3.89. Band C will cost £84.52, which is an increase of £4.44 from £80.08. Band D is now £95.09 from £90.09, up £5. Band E will be £116.22, up £6.11 from £110.11.
Band F moves from £130.13 to £137.35, a £7.22 rise. Band G increases by £8.33, with the new price being £158.48 from £150.15. Finally, Band H rises by £10, going from £180.18 to £190.18.