Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service raise council tax precept
The Fire Authority made the decision yesterday
The council tax precept for Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS) will be increasing by £5 a year.
Bedfordshire's Fire and Rescue Authority (FRA) say the decisions on the 2025/26 budget was challenging, partly due to the "dire national funding situation".
Members are said to have reluctantly agreed to the increase, which would be up to £117.72 per year per Band D equivalent property, a 4.44% increase.
BFRS say their members were also considerate and concerned about the increase in the cost of living which is facing residents.
The increase, which will generate an additional £386,000 to maintain the frontline services people rely on, is set benefit the Service through things such as new fire engines.
Cllr Michael Headley, Vice Chair of the FRA, said: “There is a gap of over £470,000 caused by a reduction in government grant funding. On top of that, the Government’s National Insurance Employer Contribution increases have caused a further £240,000 shortfall.
“It is also necessary for the Service this year to replace ageing fire engines and vital operational equipment. Other cost pressures have come from the unfunded changes to firefighters’ national terms and conditions leaving us with one of the most challenging financial positions we’ve ever faced.
“We’re meeting this with a balance of making savings of over £350,000 and having to increase council tax by 4.4 per cent.”