KFRS invites views on Council Tax plans
23 October 2026
Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) is asking people in the county to give their views on Council Tax proposals for 2027/28. The public consultation opens today (23 October 2026) and closes on 15 January 2027.
People across Kent and Medway are being invited to give their views on how much they’d be willing to pay for their fire and rescue services in 2027/28.
Council Tax is a significant source of funding for Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS), and it currently funds around 67p in every £1 of the service’s day-to-day spending.
Based on the existing average, a Band D property in the county pays approximately £1.91 weekly for KFRS - which is about 4% of the overall Council Tax bill.
The rest is allocated to your parish council, district or borough council, Kent County Council and Kent Police, to provide their necessary services.
KFRS Chief Executive Ann Milington said: “Council Tax is an important and reliable source of funding, and it’s never been more vital.
“During the financially challenging times we’re facing, 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.
“Your Council Tax contributions are a direct investment in your safety, and we recognise the importance of using every pound we receive responsibly and effectively, so I would encourage everyone across the county to have their say on our proposals.”
People have until 15 January 2027 to complete the five-minute survey, which will give them three options:
- Option 1 - Freeze Council Tax for one year. (This option would result in a larger budget gap and require significant cuts to services, including the front line).
- Option 2 - Increase Council Tax by an amount just under the referendum limit (for the Fire Authority this limit is expected to be £5 for a Band D household). A £5 increase for a Band D household equates to an increase of just over 10p per week. (This option would reduce the level of cuts that would be required to balance the budget).
- Option 3 - As an alternative option, considering the significant financial challenges we face over the medium-term, what Council Tax increase would you be prepared to pay in 2027/28? (In context, every 1% increase in the Council Tax charge equates to just under 2p per week for a Band D household).
Each option has different implications. A freeze or lower increase would mean a larger budget gap, requiring more savings or reductions in services. A higher increase would raise more funding, therefore, reducing the amount of cost savings or reductions in services that would be required to balance the budget.
Have your say by completing the survey before 15 January 2027 and share it with your family and friends to help spread the word.
news 21-10-2026