Cambridgeshire Fire Service explains the need for a council tax rise to maintain operations and improve response times amid financial challenges
Cambridge: The fire service in Cambridgeshire is asking households to pay more in council tax. They plan to raise their share by £4.95 next year. This means a Band D household will pay about £87.21 annually, which breaks down to roughly £7.27 a month.
Why the increase? Well, they need to find an extra £1 million a year. This is because their partnership with Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service is ending. Chief Fire Officer Matthew Warren said it’s a tough decision, especially with family budgets being tight.
He explained that the partnership saved over £12 million during its 14 years. Now, they have to adjust to the loss of that funding. A big chunk of the new funds will help cover future control costs and inflation. They also want to improve response times and ensure crews have the right gear.
Warren mentioned that Cambridgeshire is one of the fastest-growing counties. They need to be ready for future demands. Councillor Edna Murphy, chair of the Fire Authority, pointed out that their service is one of the lowest-cost fire authorities in the country.
She added that they’re always looking for ways to be more efficient. However, it’s getting harder to cut costs without affecting services. This year, they can ask for an extra £5 in local council tax, which is a bit of a lifeline.
Warren also shared their plans to improve response times and ensure more fire engines are available at all times. They’re also focusing on fire prevention, which is crucial for protecting residents and businesses.
The Fire Authority will finalize the budget on February 13. If you want to stay updated on Cambridgeshire news, consider signing up for their newsletter.
