A DECISION on whether South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue will increase its portion of council tax will be made on Monday.
The service is set to face a multi-million pound deficit in the coming years as a result of increased costs of goods, services, fuel and energy – plus the impact of nationally negotiated wage increases for its staff.
A spokesperson for the service said: “Householders in Band D currently pay £77.58 per year for their service, which would rise to £82.58 per year if the rise is approved – an increase of less than 10p per week.
“The service has previously outlined the financial risks it faces in its medium term financial plan.
“It will be making a commitment to find new savings in an efficiencies plan to be published next month.
“A £5 precept rise would add about £1.8m to the service’s annual budget of around £60m.
“However, rising utility prices and forecast wage increases are likely to add at least £4m to the servic’s annual expenditure.
“Fire authority members will make their decision on council tax at the fire and rescue authority meeting on Monday.”
