Tyne and Wear Fire Service Avoids Cuts Thanks to Council Tax Approval

Hey, listen to this about our fire service. Tyne and Wear fire department isn’t cutting services. They face some tough money problems, though. Council tax will likely rise to help.

The council approved a tax increase of 5.25% for fire service funding. A Band D home pays about £5 more yearly. This will give the fire service £1.9 million extra for 2025/26.

The fire chief, Peter Heath, spoke about challenges and noted balancing the budget was very hard this year. More savings might be needed later. The service is planning for 3% pay raises, however frontline services won’t get cut in the next year.

Heath thinks they’ll cover budget issues by using reserves and holding off on hiring. Overtime payments are getting reduced too. These changes should help manage things.

Phil Tye is worried about pay increases and wants unions to accept a “realistic” pay deal. He will ask the government for more money because the budget only allows for 3% raises.

Michelle Ronan highlighted that national insurance is costing the service more money now. While the government gave £468,000 to help offset this rise, insurance costs may actually be near £950,000.

Tom Woodwark expressed concern about financial planning. He thinks the plans rely too much on hope, noting problems could still come up during the year. He wants better assurances.

Heath responded to these concerns directly, saying his job is to ensure service sustainability. He said planning exists behind the “hope” and there is limited room to move, but some exists. He promised to raise any major risks.

Here’s what the fire service tax will be in 2025/26: A Band A home will pay £66.74, Band B is £77.86, and Band C is £88.99. Band D will pay £100.11, Band E is set at £122.36, Band F equals £144.60, Band G will be £168.85, and Band H is now £200.22.