Every year, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service ask local residents and businesses to take part in their annual precept survey. The five-minute form asks how people feel about the service they receive, and will influence the amount the Service receives from council tax in 2026/27.
The Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority anticipates that by 2026/27, a saving of £4.8million will be needed due to reductions in government funding and rising costs of delivering services such as materials, energy and employment costs.
The £4.8million saving is based on a year-on-year increase of 2.99% to council tax over the financial year 2026/27. Every 1% increase to council tax precept amounts to almost seven hundred thousand pounds to the Service this year.
The following message from our Fire Authority Chair, Councillor Simon Coles explains the importance of the survey:
“It’s important for us as your Authority to understand your views when deciding on the budget for next year. This is why, every year, we ask our communities across Devon and Somerset to have their say about Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. I am Chair of the Authority, and it is our responsibility to ensure that your fire service is providing the best value for money and uses your tax money effectively, every penny can make a difference.
Each year we decide how much you pay from your council tax to fund the Service. Our decision will be based on the results of your feedback so please take part and share it with as many people as you can.”
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 £104.68 a year for a Band D household.
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 used so there are no general reserves that can be called upon. Therefore, costs will need to be reduced if necessary.
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. The Service is reviewing our operating model to ensure efficiencies can be achieved but the funding gap is considerable.
An increase in precept does not mean that all services will continue to be delivered in the same way they are at the moment.
Please could you help us by sharing this with your communities through the poster attached, sharing our social media posts (@dsfireupdates) and completing the survey yourself before 3 December.
Further information can be found on our website.
Best wishes,
Megan Hegarty
Consultation and Engagement Officer
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service
Phone: 01392344074
Website: www.dsfire.gov.uk
Timberscombe 