Budget Consultation 2016/17

Where our money comes from

Grant
Shropshire and Wrekin Fire and Rescue Authority receives around one third of its budget from government grant and business rates. Between 2011/12 and 2015/16, the Authority’s government grant will have reduced by around £3million.

Council Tax
We receive around two thirds of our income from council tax. Each band D household in the area currently pays just £1.77 per week for its fire and rescue service.

Where your money goes
Around 65% of the total budget is spent on our staff: firefighters on the full time and part time duty systems, Fire Control staff, and non-uniformed support staff.
The remaining balance is spent on the supply and maintenance of operational equipment, uniforms, supplies and services, information and communications technology, and funding the capital programme.

This year's capital programme includes building improvements at a number of fire stations, the replacement of service vehicles and operational equipment, and improvements to training facilities.

Where we have saved money
In 2011/12, we began a programme of budget cuts, which has seen a reduction of more than £3million in the revenue budget over four years. During this programme, budget reductions have included:

A reduction in both firefighters and support staff of 60 posts (around 10% of total staff)
A reduction in operational fire officers of 25%
An increase in the life of fire engines from 12 to 15 years
Changes to the way in which some fire engines are crewed.

This programme of cuts, along with other budget reductions implemented by officers, means that the Service continues to operate within its budgets.

The Fire Authority’s Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) 2020 Process has been developed to ensure that the Service’s resources continue to be used to best effect to reduce risk within the County.
As part of the IRMP, officers have consulted with employees and members of the public about improving the way the service is delivered.

The two projects currently being undertaken are:

• Review of our current staffing model
• Review of Fire Control

In addition, the future use of our site at Stafford Park in Telford is being reviewed, to include station, training facilities and multi-agency opportunities.

What about 2016/17?
This year, we propose to increase council tax by 1.98% (4p per week per average household). This is because we want to ensure that the public still receive an effective fire and rescue service, both now and into the future.

You can view our plans for the budget here, and give us your views on our proposals until 23 February 2016.

http://www.shropshirefire.gov.uk/sites/default/files/09%20-%202015-16%20...

http://www.shropshirefire.gov.uk/sites/default/files/09%20APPENDIX%20Gre...

Contact
funding@shropshirefire.gov.uk
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service
Brigade Headquarters
Shrewsbury SY1 2HJ