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Royal Berkshire Fire Authority launches Council Tax Consultation

This consultation has now closed. Thank you to everyone who took part.

Royal Berkshire Fire Authority is consulting on Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s funding through Council Tax for the next financial year. The consultation is open until 5pm on Monday 30, January 2023. 

The Fire Authority is committed to delivering value for money across the services provided to local residents. The average Band D householder pays just £1.42 per week for their fire and rescue service. 

Given that Royal Berkshire is one of the lowest charging fire authorities nationally, we believe an increase of £5, or under 10p a week, in 2023/24 remains excellent value for money to the local taxpayer. You can read more about our budget in a letter from Councillor Paul Gittings, Chair of Royal Berkshire Fire Authority.

Take part in the consultation by completing an online survey.

Where your money is spent

  • Ensuring a swift and effective response when called to emergencies.
  • Ensuring appropriate fire safety standards in buildings.    
  • Educating people on how to prevent fires and other emergencies, and what to do when they happen.

Councillor Paul Gittings, Chair of Royal Berkshire Fire Authority: “Like all public services we are committed to delivering value for money across the services we provide.

“Nevertheless, the high rate of inflation means that we are now having to deal with significant unbudgeted cost pressures that have materialised over the last year.

“As part of its plan to balance the budget for 2023/24, Royal Berkshire Fire Authority will deliver a significant programme of savings next year. However, this will still leave the Fire Authority with a large funding shortfall for 2023/24, which means I am recommending that we raise the Band D precept by £5 per annum to £78.95 in order to maintain current service levels to the public. 

“This will most likely still leave the Authority in the lowest quartile of precepting fire authorities in the country, providing excellent services and value for money.”

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue is encouraging anyone that lives, works or travels in Royal Berkshire to have their say. The survey is available until 5pm on Monday 30, January 2023. 

For further information about our Service and consultation

Any questions or comments can be emailed to precepting@rbfrs.co.uk.

If anyone would like a hard copy or require assistance with accessing the information in an alternative format or language, please contact us by emailing precepting@rbfrs.co.uk.