Increase approved in fire service's Council Tax Precept for 2024-25

At its meeting on 9 February, Humberside Fire Authority discussed whether to increase the Council Tax precept or to freeze it at its current level for the year 2024/25.

The Authority debated the responses from the public consultation, considering the current financial pressures people are facing due to high inflation, weighed against the need to maintain current service delivery and invest in the future. After careful deliberation, the Authority agreed to go with option 1, which received 43% of votes and will raise the precept for 2024/25 by £2.84 per year based on a Band D property.

Martyn Ransom, Executive Director of Finance and Section 151 Officer, said "The Authority's decision to raise the precept was made with careful consideration, acknowledging the ongoing financial strains faced by people nationwide. Following deliberation, it was agreed to increase the precept to sustain the provision of excellent Fire and Rescue services and facilitate investments in resources for the benefit of everyone in the Humber region.

"Given that 80% of residents in the Humber region fall within Council Tax Band C or lower, the increase translates to less than £2.84 per year for them.

"The majority of our budget, totalling £38 million, will be allocated to fire response, prevention, and protection activities. Additionally, £17.3 million will be dedicated to maintaining essential firefighting equipment, training, maintenance and running of vehicles and buildings, and our support functions. Making sure our staff can continue to deliver outstanding service to our communities."

For more information about what the Service costs, please visit the finance area of our website, click here.

How will this impact households?

Below is a table showing what the increase will mean for each Council Tax Band for 2024/25.