Following a meeting of Humberside Fire Authority on Friday 13 February 2026, Members have agreed the level of Council Tax precept for 2026/27.
After considering the feedback received during the recent public consultation, alongside the financial challenges facing the Service, the Fire Authority agreed the second option presented within the consultation.
We would like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation and shared their views. A total of 1,553 responses were received, providing valuable insight into residents’ priorities. 77% of respondents expressed support for an increase (selecting options 1, 2 and 3) to the Service’s share of Council Tax, recognising the importance of sustaining a strong and resilient Fire and Rescue Service. Option 2, proposing a 4.85% increase, was the most selected choice, receiving 37% of all responses.
The feedback received helped inform Members’ discussions and ensured public opinion was carefully considered as part of the decision‑making process. Responses consistently highlighted the value residents place on maintaining emergency response standards, investing in prevention and education and supporting the ability of the Service to plan for the future.
Investing in our people, services and communities
The decision helps support the Service following changes to government funding due to the introduction of the Fair Funding Formula. Even with the increase in Council Tax Precept, the Service will still be using £3.5 million from the reserves and needs to identify savings of approximately £2.4 million, to balance its budget over the next three years.
This funding gap highlights the importance of responsible local decision‑making to make sure the Service can continue to meet growing and more complex risks, maintain strong performance and invest in its workforce and infrastructure.
Reflecting on 2025, Humberside Fire and Rescue Service has much to be proud of. Our firefighters responded to over 11,000 incidents, with first fire engines arriving within target times 96.5% of the time. Alongside this, prevention and engagement work continued to deliver real benefits, including more than 11,600 Home Fire Safety Visits, 33,000 children engaged in schools and over 5,000 business engagements.
The Service was also recognised by HMICFRS as Outstanding for understanding and preventing fires and other risks, alongside multiple ‘Good’ ratings, placing Humberside Fire and Rescue Service among the top‑performing services nationally.
Supporting future delivery and resilience
The agreed precept will support continued investment in our people, resources and estate, helping to make sure the Service remains resilient, responsive and fit for the future. This includes ongoing improvements to our fire stations, equipment and digital systems.
Over the next five years, the Service will deliver a significant capital investment programme across fleet, estates, training and digital services, ensuring we have the right resources in place to protect the communities of the Humber area now and in the future.
Chair of Humberside Fire Authority, Councillor Nigel Sherwood said: “This decision reflects the balance Members must strike between affordability for households and the need to invest in a Service that continues to perform strongly, adapt to emerging risks and support its workforce. The public feedback we received was invaluable in helping us reach this decision.
“Every member of staff plays a vital role in maintaining the high standards our communities expect. This decision supports our shared commitment to protecting lives, property and the environment, while continuing to invest in the people who make that possible.”