Consultation begins on council tax increase proposal for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service
Residents asked to give their views on £4.95 Band D property increase
The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Cumbria, David Allen, has launched a consultation on a proposed council tax increase for the county’s fire services.
Residents are being asked to share their views on whether a Band D property tax should increase by £4.95 per year in the 2026-27 financial period. This equates to 41 pence per month or just over a penny a day.
The consultation will close at 5pm on 23rd January 2026.
David Allen said the extra funding would help Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service continue delivering emergency responses and prevention work, as well as enabling investment in modern technology and equipment. The Commissioner added that £2m had already been committed to upgrading fire stations across the county this year, with the increase aimed at supporting further progress.
"Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service continues to deliver a high standard of service across the county,” Allen said. “This includes emergency response to fires, road traffic collisions and rescues, as well as vital prevention and protection work."
Allen highlighted that firefighters were conducting over 8,000 home fire safety visits annually and completing more than 750 fire safety audits of business and commercial premises each year. He said maintaining and improving the service was critical as part of ensuring public safety.
Residents can participate in the consultation by completing the survey online, calling 01768 217734, or emailing [email protected] to request a paper copy.
The deadline for submissions is 5pm on 23rd January 2024.