The fire service’s governing Fire Authority has decided to increase its portion of Council Tax by 1.99% next year, at its budget setting meeting on Monday.
South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue says the increase will help to support investments its making to its frontline service- including the recruitment of additional firefighters-as well as helping it to prepare for potentially more uncertain times ahead.
Annual funding for the fire service
Householders in Band D will pay £76.07 per year for their Fire and Rescue Service-an increase of about three pence per week compared to the current rate of £74.59. The decision to increase council tax will raise around £530,000 in annual funding for the fire service-the equivalent of around 15 firefighters.
The service outlined the financial risks it faces in its medium-term financial plan, which includes uncertainty around the impact of COVID-19 on its council tax base and central government funding. Fire Authority Members made their decision on Council Tax at the fire and rescue authority meeting on Monday 22 February.