Royal Berkshire Fire Authority could increase its share of council tax funding
A proposed hike of £5 is said to be because of 'significant budgetary pressure'
Last updated 15th Jan 2026
Royal Berkshire Fire Authority (RBFA) is consulting West Berkshire residents and staff on council tax funding for the next financial year.
It says due to ‘significant budgetary pressure’, it is proposing a £5 increase for 2026/2027, based on a Band D precept, to £91.31.
Residents, businesses and community groups are invited to have their say on the proposed increase.
“Royal Berkshire Fire Authority is committed to providing excellent services to the public as efficiently as possible and making sure that we are spending our money in the right way to keep the people of Berkshire safe,” said Jeff Brooks, council leader and chair of Royal Berkshire Fire Authority.
“Given the significant cost pressures that the authority faces, we are focused on improving the efficiency of our service and are committed to delivering over £940,000 in savings in 2026/27.
“We shall use the savings made to invest in the vital services that we provide to the public, while also delivering a balanced budget.
“However, reductions in funding from central Government, combined with an increase in demand for our services, means that raising the Band D precept for 2026/27 is essential.
“I am recommending that we raise the Band D precept by £5 per annum to £91.31 to maintain current service levels to the public.
“Likewise, the same increase per annum for the following two years would align to the Government’s three-year settlement and partly offset the reduction in central funding over this period.”