With just over two weeks to go before the closing date, Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (Commissioner), David Allen is reminding Cumbria residents that there is still time to take part in the consultation on whether they are willing to pay more towards Cumbria Fire and Rescue service through their council tax.
Alongside the central government grant, this aspect of the council tax adds to the total funding available to provide for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service.
Commissioner David Allen comments: “I know that increasing council tax is never popular, but your safety and security are more important to me. I am seeking your support and asking that we – together, make a really important commitment and contribution that will help to protect Cumbria and above all, keep us safe.
“Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service requested an increase in the council tax precept to maintain and more importantly, further improve their existing services.
“I realise that many families and businesses are facing financial uncertainty, especially here in Cumbria where we are heavily reliant on the tourism and hospitality sector. However, I do know that we need safe communities in order to have prosperous communities, and strong performing services have never been so much needed.
“It is with public safety at the forefront of my mind that I am proposing to increase the fire element of council tax by 9.5p a week (£4.95 a year) for a Band D property.
“This, I believe is a necessary step to ensure that Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service is there for you when you need them and is on a sound financial footing to invest in new technologies and ensure future generations are kept safe.
“In my role, I see day in day out the vital work our firefighters undertake to keep you, the residents of Cumbria safe and I do not want to see their ability to deal with emergencies reduced. I want to ensure that Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service is in the greatest possible position to continue to keep our communities across Cumbria safe.
“As your Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner, my role is to be the voice of residents within Cumbria, in respect of the Police and Fire services – I am your voice. If any member of the public has a concern about crime in their area, or around the Constabulary or Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, please raise it with me at commissioner@cumbria-pcc.gov.uk or call 01768 217734.”
The consultation is asking for public support for the increase. Visit Cumbria Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner's Council Tax Precept for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service 2025 - 2026 Survey to complete the survey.
The deadline to complete for the survey is 5pm on Wednesday 29 January. Call 01768 217734 or email commissioner@cumbria-pcc.gov.uk to obtain a paper copy.
Council Tax by band (proposed increases)
Council Tax Band | 24/25 level (£) | Proposed Increase over 12 months (£) | 25/26 Level (£) |
Band A | 62.16 | 3.30 | 65.46 |
Band B | 72.52 | 3.85 | 76.37 |
Band C | 82.88 | 4.40 | 87.28 |
Band D | 93.24 | 4.95 | 98.19 |
Band E | 113.96 | 6.05 | 120.01 |
Band F | 134.68 | 7.15 | 141.83 |
Band G | 155.40 | 8.25 | 163.65 |
Band H | 186.48 | 9.90 | 196.38 |
If you wish to report to police you can do so online at Report a crime | Cumbria Police. You can also phone on 101. Always phone 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in progress.
The survey closes on Wednesday 29 January at 5pm.