Council tax will increase so the Fire Authority can invest in services and restore lost grant money in Shropshire.
The fire authority controls Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service. Councillors voted to increase the council tax, which is added to residents’ bills without discussion. Band D properties will pay £119.45 for the fire authority.
The meeting revealed budget limitations. A lower increase would mean using reserves instead of investing. A 2.99 percent increase covers inflation, but it hinders service growth or staff investment.
A £5 increase allows for both growth and investment. This will restore some lost government grant money. £21 million of the £30 million budget comes from council tax while the authority awaits a multi-year funding agreement from the government.
A subcommittee suggested a 4.33 percent increase. The full authority voted to agree with no debate and they also approved a three-year budget, projecting 2.99% precept increases for the next two years.
Councillors approved a 2.5 percent allowance raise for their current year, backdated to April 2024. The amount follows an independent assessment, considering agreed pay awards for the 13 members.
The basic member allowance rises to £3,718 yearly, previously £3,627. Councillor David Minnery gets £13,559 as fire authority chair, where he received £13,228 before.
Councillor Richard Overton gets £7,887 as vice-chair; his prior allowance was £7,695. Committee chairs get an extra £2,259, previously allowed to claim £2,204.
Finance officers stated potential financial impacts, anticipating covering changes within existing budgets. The authority needs a basic allowance scheme for each member, while members can also claim mileage and other expenses.
The scheme will be reviewed during the year. The Fire Authority must consider panel recommendations, but they do not have to fully implement these recommendations. Councillors can decline their allowances by notifying finance officers.