Staffordshire residents may pay £5 more yearly for fire services due to a tax hike and station upgrades.
The £5 rise impacts Band D properties and is the max rise without a vote. Adams says it’s needed because they face a £1 million grant cut, and Employer National Insurance costs also rose.
Adams worries about future pay raises, as these could go beyond what he planned for. He also states that the fire chief needs adequate resources to ensure they can handle risks and meet national and local goals.
Inflation and wages are also factors, so he wants the tax to go up. This increase helps avoid service cuts. He knows money is tight for families and wants to keep taxes low when possible, while still protecting our firefighters and communities.
The fire service must save £1 million over the next four years, needing to save £400,000 in 2025/26. They will also use £1.3 million from reserves to help balance next year’s budget.
The Band D fire tax will rise to £91.77, up from £86.77. This is on top of any other council tax increases. Adams also plans a £5.8 million capital spend.
Brewood fire station gets £487,000 for upgrades, and Eccleshall fire station’s gym gets £40,000 to improve firefighter health. The panel will question Adams about the budget when they meet on Monday, February 10, having already supported the £14 police tax rise.