Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service has mirrored plans from Thames Valley Police to raise the forces proportion of council tax, with residents set to see a hike in council tax bills.

Residents are asked to have their say on plans to increase council tax by 2.9 per cent. This will work out at an increase of 3.7 pence per week for a household in band D properties, totalling an increase of £1.92 over the course of the next year, and increasing the total tax for the Fire and Rescue Service to £66.28.

Money will be spent in the following areas:

  • Educating people on how to prevent fires and other emergencies and what to do if they do occur.
  • Ensuring appropriate fire safety standards in buildings.
  • Providing a swift and effective response when called to emergencies.

Councillor Colin Dudley, chairman of RBFA said: "We think Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service provides excellent value to the residents of Berkshire.

"The average band D householder pays just £65 per year. Therefore, we think a small increase of £1.92 per year remains excellent value for money."

To have your say on the proposed changes, fill in the online survey here.