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Fire Authorities Approve Near-Maximum Council Tax Rises for 2026/27 in Devon, Shropshire and Humberside

The higher precepts respond to rising pay costs alongside falling grants.

Overview

  • Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority backed a £5 rise, taking the Band D precept to £109.68 to support an annual spending plan just over £109m.
  • Shropshire and Wrekin Fire and Rescue Authority set a £4.99 increase to £124.44 for Band D, the most allowed without a referendum, with leaders citing the need to keep stations open.
  • Humberside approved a 4.85% uplift, a £4.99 rise to £107.92 for Band D, yet it will still draw £3.5m from reserves and identify about £2.4m of savings over three years.
  • Public input informed decisions, with Humberside reporting 77% support for an increase in a 1,553‑response consultation and Devon & Somerset finding 53% deemed a rise reasonable.
  • Authorities set plans in a tightening funding outlook, including Devon’s projected fall in revenue support grant from just over £19.3m next year to around £17.5m within two years and Humberside’s capital programme with £4.7m for estates.