Shropshire and Wrekin Fire Authority is proposing an increase of 2.99 per cent to the portion of council tax which goes to Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service. This equates to just over £3.30 per year, or 6p per week and we want to hear what you think about the proposal.
The Authority is nationally recognised for delivering 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 two thirds of our funding comes from council tax, with the remainder funded from business rates and government grant.
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.
Why a 2.99% council tax increase?
This increase covers our pay and inflation pressures, but also allows the Service to invest in its people and its teams, to ensure that we continue to deliver effective fire cover and support to businesses and residents across Shropshire.
In 2022/23, officers began a number of reviews to answer the following questions:
- How do we make our on-call service more sustainable?
- How do we ensure that we have the right equipment and vehicles in the right place, at the right time?
- How do we make best use of operational technology?
- How do we ensure that we are making the most of our money and our people?
The outcomes from these reviews will be used to inform the next Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP), which shows how we are committed to making Shropshire safer.
The current CRMP for 2021-2025 can be viewed here.
What influences our plans?
- Defining risk
- The diversification in agriculture
- Economy
- Environmental impact
- Housing
- National risk
- Population and demographics
- Transport etc
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 2021-2025, 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 us know your thoughts on the proposed increase of 6p per week please email funding@shropshirefire.gov.uk. Alternatively keep an eye on our social media channels for our poll.
February, 2024
