Have your say in our annual survey
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Fire Authority are once again asking local residents and businesses to tell them how they feel about the service that Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service provides, as part of their annual precept survey.
The answers received will influence what amount of the council tax that residents and businesses pay goes towards funding Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.
The Authority anticipates that by 2025/26, a saving of £1.8m will be needed due to changes in government funding and rising costs of delivering our services such as materials, energy and employment costs.
This saving is based on a year-on-year increase of 1.99% to council tax over this period. Every 1% increase to council tax precept amounts to just over six hundred thousand pounds to the Service this year.
Take part in the survey (https://online1.snapsurveys.com/DSFRSprecept)
Councillor Simon Coles, Fire Authority Chair
“Every year we ask the residents and businesses of Devon and Somerset to tell us what they think about the service that their fire and rescue service provides in our annual precept survey. Their answers help to define the level of support the Service receives through council tax.
"We know that money is tight for everyone, particularly as we head into the colder months. The Service is not immune from cost rises either and therefore we want to ensure that Devon and Somerset Fire Service is making the most of every penny it receives, to keep our communities safe.
"By filling in a five-minute survey, everyone can make sure their voice is heard.”
What’s the precept at the moment
The Service receives part of its funding from council tax, known as the precept, and business rates. The current council tax charge from the fire and rescue service is £96.79 a year for a Band D household.
Financial position
The Authority anticipates that by 2025/26, a saving of £4m will be needed due to changes in government funding and rising costs of delivering our services such as materials, energy and employment costs.
This saving is based on a year-on-year increase of 2.99% to council tax over this period. Every 1% increase to council tax precept amounts to just over six hundred thousand pounds to the Service this year.
What the financial position means
The Authority is required to deliver a balanced budget, meaning outgoings do not exceed income. In previous years, reserves have been used to balance the budget, but the reserves have now been reduced to the level we are prescribed to hold as a safety net.
The Authority will always seek to use their resources available in the best way to minimise the impact of risk to communities in their area. An increase in precept does not mean that all services will continue to be delivered in the same way they are at the moment. The Service continually reviews resources to make sure they are being used in the most efficient and effective way.