Have your say on Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s proposed council tax increase

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service want your thoughts about its proposed increase to council tax to make sure it “continues to provide high-quality, life-saving services to the community”.

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Authority has received government approval to raise the council tax levy by up to £5 for the 2025/26 financial year. This would increase the annual Band D charge for fire and rescue services from £112.72 to £117.72 – a difference of 4.4 per cent.

James Copley loads hoses onto a fire engine as five engines prepare to leave Leigh Community Fire Station. Photo by Anthony Devlin/Getty Images

placeholder image — James Copley loads hoses onto a fire engine as five engines prepare to leave Leigh Community Fire Station. Photo by Anthony Devlin/Getty Images

Residents have until January 31 to share their views on this increase – which the service says would “generate an additional £1.1 million”.

Assistant Chief Officer Gavin Chambers said: "Every pound raised through the council tax plays a critical role in maintaining the high standards of service that Bedfordshire residents rely on. For context, it costs approximately £1.2 million per year to keep a fire engine crewed and available 24/7."

Click here to have your say.