South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue approves £5 precept increase amidst rising staffing costs and pay award consideration

AN AVERAGE £5 increase in the South Yorkshire Fire & Recue precept was agreed as the service estimates staffing costs will rise more than £5 million.

Wholetime employee costs alone are expected to be £36.8 million in 2023/24 — up from £33 million this year.

Meanwhile, a seven per cent pay award is under consideration — up from the five per cent rejected by the Fire Brigades Union in November.

The government’s contribution for South Yorkshire will increase from £29.8 million to almost £32 million.

And the rise in council tax precept — going from £77.58 to £82.58 for Band D properties — will help balance the budget.

South Yorkshire Fire Authority met in Barnsley on Monday (20) to approve the increase and finance plans.

A report to members said the net deficit of £1.4 million will be plugged from the reserves.

The service is also facing an increase of £324,828 for fuel costs — there may be potential to introduce electric vehicles in the future, authority members were told.

Capital investments over the next three financial years include £14 million on new buildings and refurbishments, plus £6.6 million on the transport fleet.