Would you pay £5 a year more for better fire services across Lancashire?
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service is proposing a £5 annual increase for a Band D property in next year’s council tax precept to help cover rising costs and keep emergency services running 24/7.
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service is asking local residents for their views on a proposed increase to the fire and rescue precept for 2026–27, the portion of council tax that directly funds fire services.
Running just one fire engine around the clock, every day of the year, costs approximately £1.4 million annually, the service says and rising costs mean funding pressures are growing.
To help maintain a safe and effective service, the authority is proposing a modest increase of £5 per year for a Band D property.
The precept contributes to covering essential costs including firefighter pay, emergency equipment, and fuel.
The additional funds would help Lancashire Fire and Rescue continue round-the-clock emergency response, community safety work, and fire prevention initiatives across the county.
Residents can share their views through an online survey, available on the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service website.
The consultation closes at 5 pm on Tuesday 4 February 2025 after which the Lancashire Combined Fire Authority will consider the responses before finalising the precept for 2026–27.
This consultation gives local people the chance to weigh in on how much they are willing to contribute to ensure firefighters and emergency crews have the resources they need to keep communities safe.
A spokesperson for the Lancashire Fire and Rescue team in a statement on Facebook, said: “Running one fire engine around the clock, every day of the year, costs approximately £1.4 million annually.
“As these costs continue to rise, we are proposing a modest rise in the fire and rescue precept (the part of council tax that helps fund our service) for 2026–27.
“For a Band D property, this would mean an increase of £5 per year.
“This additional funding would support us to maintain a safe and effective fire and rescue service for our communities. However, it’s important that we understand your views.”
Have your say: https://www.lancsfirerescue.org.uk/about/funding/budget.