Shropshire and Wrekin Fire Authority proposes 10p a week council tax increase

This equates to just under £5 per year, or 10p per week and they want to hear what you think about the proposal.

The Authority says it wants to strive to be a top performing fire and rescue service, which constantly reviews how its services are delivered, to ensure that it runs effectively and efficiently for the public of Shropshire.

Around three quarters of the Service’s budget is spent on employing staff – its most valuable resource. The remainder is spent on essential supplies and services, transport, property and information and communications technology, as well as funding capital programmes.

Just over 70% of funding comes from council tax, with the remainder from business rates and government grant.

The authority wants to continue to improve how it delivers 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.

Why a 4.33% council tax increase?

This increase covers pay and inflation pressures, but also allows the service to invest in its people and their teams, to ensure that it continues to make Shropshire safer through delivering effective fire cover and support to businesses and residents.

The Service has a number of priority areas, aimed at reducing risk and vulnerability in the community, and ensuring that all staff are competent to fulfil their roles effectively:

- Delivering the outcomes of the Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP), areas that the public said were important

- Addressing concerns and areas for improvement identified by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services

- Developing strategic priorities for 2025/26

- Reviewing the structure of the Service to ensure that it invests in the right areas, with the right people and systems.

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 CRMP, 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.”

To let Shropshire and Wrekin Fire Authority know your thoughts on the proposed increase of 10p per week, email funding@shropshirefire.gov.uk.