Staffordshire Commissioner Ben Adams’ proposed Fire & Rescue precept – the contribution residents make as part of their annual council tax – has been approved by the Police, Fire & Crime Panel, following a consultation with residents about how much they would be willing to pay for the service.
On Monday 9 February, the Commissioner presented to the Panel his proposal to increase the Fire & Rescue precept by £5 per year for a Band D property. This was following a public consultation, completed by 2,370 people, which showed that 53.52% of residents supported an increase to the amount they pay.
Funding for the Police and Fire & Rescue services is made up of a mix of central government grants, combined with the precept.
Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Ben Adams said: “I recognise the pressure on household budgets and will always seek to keep council tax as low as possible. However, the increase that was approved by the Panel today, alongside ongoing savings and transformation, is essential to avoid service reductions and maintain the safety of our firefighters and communities.
“I continue to be pleased with the progress Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service is making. The last inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) confirmed marked improvement across almost all areas, reflecting the professionalism, dedication and leadership of our firefighters, staff and volunteers.
“This is set against growing financial uncertainty following the Government’s Fair Funding Review covering the next three years. Even with council tax increases at the maximum permitted level, reductions in central government funding are only partly offset. This is deeply disappointing as it shifts the burden of funding essential services onto local taxpayers and leaves authorities with little choice but to increase precepts simply to stand still.
“Despite these challenges, the Service continues to deliver beyond its core remit. Its partnership work with the NHS and West Midlands Ambulance Service has helped hundreds of people avoid unnecessary hospital admissions, easing pressure on local health services.
“Over the past three years, my office and the Service have delivered more than £2.3m in recurring savings through a comprehensive transformation programme. Further work is underway to identify an additional £2.1m of efficiencies to improve productivity and protect frontline services.
“Taking all of this into account, I have increased the 2026/27 Fire & Rescue council tax precept by 5.45% — £5 per year, or 10p per week for a Band D property — in line with the referendum limit. I believe this will provide the best possible foundation for Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service to continue keeping our communities safe.”
The Panel meeting, together with all the papers presented, is available to watch in full.
