Fire service warns funding gap could mean cuts

Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) has warned services could face cuts without extra funding next year.

Residents are being asked through a consultation how much they would be willing to pay through council tax in 2027-28 to help support the service's long-term operations.

KFRS has repeatedly warned its funding is unsustainable, and earlier this year plans to close part-time fire stations were rejected by the Kent and Medway Fire and Rescue Authority.

A spokesperson for Kent County Council said: "The consultation concerns funding proposals being considered by Kent Fire and Rescue Service.

"These are not matters for Kent County Council to determine and it would therefore not be appropriate for us to comment."

The service currently receives about 67p of every £1 it spends from council tax and charges just under £100 a year for a Band D property.

KFRS chief executive Ann Millington said council tax had "never been more vital" during "financially challenging times", according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

"This source of funding allows us to plan and invest in life-saving resources and continue to operate as a fire and rescue service the people of Kent and Medway deserve and expect," she said.

The consultation, launched last month, asks residents to consider three options.

These are freezing council tax for one year, increasing it by up to £5 a year for a Band D household, or suggesting an alternative amount they would be willing to pay.

Maidstone county councillor Robert Ford said the service was "struggling with money" and suggested exploring new income streams.

This included charging for fire risk assessments and alarm installations in houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).

Restore Britain councillor Dean Burns said fire risks in Kent and Medway were growing, pointing to an increase in wildfires and lithium-ion battery fires.

"Freezing council tax may sound attractive, but it does not freeze the cost of fuel, vehicles, equipment, firefighter training, pay awards or inflation," he said.

Tim Green, south-east regional chair of the Fire Brigades Union, said the union wanted a "well-funded fire service" but understood some residents might not be able to afford higher bills.

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