Shropshire fire authority proposing 10p-a-week council tax increase

Shropshire and Wrekin Fire Authority is proposing an increase of 4.33 per cent to the portion of council tax which goes to Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service. The increase would equate to just under £5 per year, or 10p per week. 

Just over 70 per cent of the funding for the fire service comes from council tax, with the remainder funded from business rates and a government grant.

Now, the authority is asking the public for their opinions on the proposal, which they hope will help cover pay and "inflation pressures" and allow further investment into their teams.

The consultation comes as Shropshire Council and Telford & Wrekin Council both plan to increase council tax bills by 4.99 per cent in the next financial year.

A spokesperson for the fire service said: "We want to continue to improve how we deliver fire cover and support to businesses and residents throughout Shropshire, while also investing any savings to minimise borrowing for larger projects such as refurbishment of stations and the replacement of fire engines."

Chairman of the Fire Authority David Minnery said “The proposals we are putting forward will help us to deliver the objectives laid out in our Community Risk Management Plan 2025-2028 and will also provide an essential contribution towards the new plan. 

"This includes increasing engagement and reaching out the communities we serve in new ways and evaluating our resources.

“It is extremely important to us that you have your say so we can best understand our communities, so I encourage all residents to get in touch and let us know how you feel about the proposed increase.”

Residents are being asked to give their opinions on the proposed increase by emailing funding@shropshirefire.gov.uk. Alternatively, polls are being circulated on the fire service's social media channels.