Have your say on the council tax consultation

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Authority (FRA) has received confirmation from the Government that it may increase the fire and rescue service’s council tax by up to £5 for the 2025/26 financial year.  

If approved, the £5 increase will raise the annual Band D charge for the fire and rescue service from £112.72 to £117.72, equating to an additional £5 per year, or just 42p per month. The increase would generate an additional £1.1 million in revenue, which will go directly toward supporting vital services and resources for Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS).

Assistant Chief Officer Gavin Chambers said: “Every pound raised through the council tax plays a critical role in maintaining the high standards of service that Bedfordshire residents rely on. For context, it costs approximately £1.2 million per year to keep a fire engine crewed and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. The proposed increase is an essential step in ensuring that BFRS continues to provide high-quality, life-saving services to the community.”

The FRA is running a consultation on the proposed council tax increase from 18 December 2024 to 31 January 2025, and is encouraging residents and businesses to have their say. Would you support the increase to invest in and protect your local fire and rescue service?  To have your say, visit here