NYFRA set Precept increase at 3.9% Feb 07

NORTH YORKSHIRE FIRE & RESCUE AUTHORITY SET PRECEPT INCREASE AT 3.9%

DATE: 19/02/2007

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority met today to agree the budget for the 2007-08 financial year. As part of this meeting, approval was given for a council tax increase of 3.9%. For the average council tax payer (Valuation Band D) this means they will pay an extra £2.10 a year or 4 pence per week. The increase is in line with the current Government's estimate of inflation in 2007.

This increase reflects the maintenance and improvements in key areas, increased Government support for pensions, efficiency savings of over £1million, and Capital Investments (such as the new Fire Station that will serve Harrogate). 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 2005 Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) which resulted in North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service achieving a "GOOD" rating overall.

Building on that result, last year (2006) we underwent a similar review which looked at operational service delivery and we are confident the Service will again be highly rated when the results are published.

ENDS