Fire service consulting residents on possible rises to Council Tax precept
Humberside Fire and Rescue Service is asking for residents views on the proposed changes to the portion of Council Tax – and possible cost rises.
The fire service precept helps fund fire and rescue services across the Humber region (East Riding of Yorkshire, Hull, North and North East Lincolnshire).
The service is asking people to consider four cost options regarding the precept in an online survey:
It is asking for your support by selecting one out of the four options below:
•Option 1: 2.99% increase – approx 26p/month (£3.08/year) on a Band D property
•Option 2: 4.85% increase – approx 42p/month (£4.99/year) on a Band D property
•Option 3: 9.71% increase – approx 83p/month (£9.99/year) on a Band D property (requires referendum, adding costs)
•Option 4: No increase
Go to https://forms.office.com/e/KBvFZjc0Kt – and share your feedback by the deadline at 5pm on Friday, January 30.
Humberside Fire and Rescue Service said it recognises that any change to Council Tax will impact households.
A spokesperson said: “Humberside Fire and Rescue Service faces uncertainty as the government is changing how grants are allocated nationally through the Fair Funding Review. From 2026/27, a new Local Government Fair Funding Formula will apply.
"This could mean the service has less funding and would need to make savings over the next three years.
“Even if the Government’s assumption of a £5 annual increase happens (based on a Band D property) the service’s budget could still reduce by up to £3 million, which is around 5% of the budget. Without that increase, the reduction could be as much as £5 million. These changes may require the service to review how fire and rescue services are provided in the community.”
Chief Fire Officer, Phil Shillito, added: “We want to hear from our communities before any decisions are made. Your feedback helps us understand local views and plan for the year ahead.”