WOULD you be happy to pay more to fund the services of firefighters in Cheshire?

This is the question that is being asked by Cheshire Fire Authority (CFA) following a consultation to increase the precept by 1.99 per cent in 2018 to 2019.

If the amount is agreed, this would see the precept by CFA increase by £1.46 per year to £74.75 for a Band D equivalent property.

Cllr Bob Rudd, chairman of the CFA, said: "Very late in our consultation process on December 19, the Government announced that local authorities – including fire and rescue authorities – would be allowed to raise their share of council tax by three per cent before the need to hold a public referendum on a proposed increase.

"Therefore, CFA is seeking views on proposals to increase its share of council tax by 2.99 per cent in 2018 to 2019."

An increase of 2.99 per cent would see the precept charged by CFA increase by £2.19 per year to £75.48 for a Band D equivalent property.

Paul Hancock, chief fire officer, added: "The authority, like other public sector bodies, used to receive an annual capital grant from the Government.

"Since 2014 the authority has not received an annual capital grant and it seems extremely unlikely that such a grant will be reintroduced under the current financial constraints.

"This means that the CFA has to look at other ways to balance the budget and ensure the safety of the residents of Cheshire."

The original proposal to increase the authority's share of council tax by 1.99 per cent and the proposal to increase it by 2.99 per cent will be considered by members of CFA at their meeting on February 14.

The consultation will close on February 12.

Visit cheshirefire.gov.uk/home/cheshire-fire-authority-201819-council-tax-precept-consultation.