The mayor of York and North Yorkshire says a council tax rise for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service of almost 30 per cent is needed to put the service on a secure financial footing.
Setting precepts for the first time since being elected last year, David Skaith has also proposed an above-inflation rise for North Yorkshire Police’s share of the council tax bill of 4.56 per cent.
In a report to North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel, the mayor proposed that a Band D property would pay £107.02 in 2025/26 towards the running of the fire service — an increase of £24 on the 2024/25 precept.
Justifying the increase, the mayor said he inherited a fire service facing a challenging financial position that needed investment.
He also pointed to a freeze in council tax increases between 2011 and 2014 which meant the service lost out on around £21m.
Previously, a £15 increase had been proposed by the mayor, but this was increased to £24 following a government announcement on its spending plans for fire services made last month.
The mayor said this update meant the service would receive around £2m less than expected next year due to the removal and reduction of grants and higher national insurance contributions.
The report highlighted the need to spend around £750,000 on improvements at ten fire stations around the county.
The service has ordered 16 new fire appliances at a cost of £5.3m, with the first six due to be delivered before April.
Around £1.6m is also being spent on new breathing apparatus.
The proposed £14 increase in North Yorkshire Police’s precept is the maximum allowed.
The mayor says that to maintain the current level of service, the force would need an extra £15m to cover inflation and other ongoing costs.
About £5m of this would need to be raised through the precept.
A public consultation is currently taking place on the precept levels with the mayor claiming the results so far show he has public support for the increases.
He said:
“As mayor, I am committed to addressing the underinvestment in North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service by increasing the fire precept.
“But before I make any decision on setting the police and fire service precepts, I want to hear the public’s views.
“I encourage everyone to have their say at YourPoliceAndFire.com before the consultation closes on Monday, January 20.”
North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel will meet on Thursday at County Hall in Northallerton to discuss the mayor’s budget plans.
Pilot dies following aircraft crash near Masham, police confirm
Ripon's Portly Pig to host charity football tournament
Council to review parking charges across North Yorkshire
Free packed lunches at Starbeck café feed families in need
Harrogate dentist recognised at national dental awards
Knaresborough beeswax candle shop set to close
Harrogate Town launches new half-time crossbar challenge
Queen and ABBA tribute acts to headline Harrogate Beer Festival
Ripon entrepreneur to appear on Dragon's Den
Harrogate figures to be 'jailed' to raise money for Harrogate Theatre
Harrogate bookshop named as finalist for British Book Awards
Council update on operator of Alpamare water park
Visitor levy would be mayor's decision, says senior councillor
Date announced for return of Harrogate dog show
Harrogate's Italian community donates sensory kits worth £1,200 to Harrogate Hospital
Man taken to Leeds General infirmary following aircraft crash in Masham
Six arrested following car theft in Harrogate
FULL CHAT: Local occupational therapist hosts online masterclass to support new mums
Harrogate businesses reject new accommodation BID proposal
New interior showroom to open on Albert Street
