Merseyside residents might pay £5 more via council tax for enhanced fire and rescue services funding in 2025/26.
The fire authority will finalize its budget soon. Members propose a £5 rise for 2025/26. This could generate about £2 million extra. Liverpool and Wirral plan big council tax hikes. They might increase it by the maximum 5%.
Police and the City Region will also ask for more money. The fire authority wants a £5 rise. A bigger rise needs a public vote.
A failed vote costs over £1 million. That’s the estimated cost to re-bill everyone. The £5 rise applies to Band D homes. All properties are in bands A to H. Bands are based on 1991 values.
Merseyside’s current Band D fire tax is £91.25. The national average is £90.32. The planned rise would keep it slightly above average.
Officials think the rise nets £1.9 million. Liverpool Council will also raise rates. Their increase could bring in £11 million.
The Metro Mayor fee is also going up. Steve Rotheram cited tough times for local finances. The Mayoral fee rises for the first time in seven years.
Each Band D home pays £5 more per year. Policing costs will increase as well. Expect to pay around £14 more each year for police.