Tax rise to pay for fire service

Residents are to pay a small amount more for the county’s fire services this year after a 1.9% increase in the cost of the fire brigade was agreed.

Members of Kent and Medway Fire and Rescue Authority have backed a budget that will see average household bills increase by £1.35 a year to £70.65, the equivalent of 2.5p a week more for an average Band D property.

Cllr Nick Chard, Chairman of Kent and Medway Fire and Rescue Authority said: “Our job is to provide a safe and efficient service for the people of Kent and Medway.

“Our investment in community safety means we have made a real contribution to local safety and seen demand fall significantly.”

He added a small increase was backed by those who took part in the public consultation.

“I think the public recognise that for a round-the-clock emergency service, ready to respond to emergencies including fires, floods and road traffic collisions, that this remains very good value.”