NYFRA set precept increase at 2.6% 08/02/2006

NORTH YORKSHIRE FIRE & RESCUE AUTHORITY SET PRECEPT INCREASE AT 2.6%

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority met today to agree the budget for the 2006-07 financial year. As part of this meeting, approval was given for a council tax increase of 2.6%. For the average council tax payer (Valuation Band D) this means they will pay an extra £1.36 a year or 2.6 pence a week. The increase is in line with the current Government’s estimate of inflation in 2006.

This increase reflects the maintenance of current service levels, increased Government support for pensions, efficiency savings of over £1million and continued investment in the Authority’s vehicles and fire stations. North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority believe that this level of increase strikes a reasonable balance between its Service Delivery plans and the burden those plans place on council tax payers.

North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service provides excellent value for money and this was evidenced by the latest Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA). An assessment was made on how the Authority was implementing the Government’s modernisation agenda across North Yorkshire and the City of York. This resulted in North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service achieving a “GOOD” rating overall.

North Yorkshire Fire Rescue Service is looking to build on their successes and will strive to achieve ‘excellence’ for the communities they serve in an efficient and cost effective manner.