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Fire and Rescue Services: Finance

Asked by Rebecca PaulConservativeMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled Answered 10 March 2026UIN 117024

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what consideration his Department has given to ensuring that council tax flexibility for fire and rescue services is applied across different governance models, including services delivered through county councils and standalone fire and rescue authorities.

Answered by Alison McGovern

Local authorities are responsible for deciding the level of their council tax. The Secretary of State sets referendum principles for a range of local authorities with different responsibilities, including fire services. The principles are considered on an annual basis, taking into account any changes in those responsibilities, and are consulted on as part of the annual Local Government Finance Settlement.

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