Staffordshire Fire & Rescue council tax precept approved
Staffordshire Commissioner Ben Adams’ proposed increase to the Fire & Rescue council tax precept has been approved by the Police, Fire & Crime Panel.
Last updated 10th Feb 2026
The decision follows a public consultation on how much residents would be willing to pay towards the service. In total, 2,370 people responded, with 53.52% supporting an increase.
At a meeting on Monday, the Commissioner proposed raising the Fire & Rescue precept by £5 a year for a Band D property, equivalent to around 10p per week. The increase represents a 5.45% rise and is in line with the maximum permitted without triggering a referendum.
Funding for Staffordshire’s Police and Fire & Rescue services is made up of a combination of central government grants and locally raised council tax precepts.
Speaking after the proposal was approved, Mr Adams said he recognised the ongoing pressure on household budgets but said the increase was necessary to avoid reductions in services.
He said the additional funding, alongside ongoing savings and transformation work, would help maintain frontline services and ensure the safety of firefighters and local communities.
Mr Adams also highlighted improvements made by Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service, noting that its most recent inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services found marked improvement across almost all areas.
However, he warned of growing financial uncertainty linked to the government’s Fair Funding Review, which will shape funding over the next three years. He said reductions in central government funding were only partially offset by council tax increases, placing greater pressure on local taxpayers.
Despite these challenges, the Commissioner said the Fire & Rescue Service continued to deliver beyond its core role, including partnership work with the NHS and West Midlands Ambulance Service that has helped reduce unnecessary hospital admissions.
He added that more than £2.3m in recurring savings had been delivered over the past three years through a transformation programme, with a further £2.1m of efficiencies currently being explored to protect frontline services.
The approved precept increase will apply from the 2026/27 financial year.