RESIDENTS across Devon and Somerset are being asked their views on the fire service in a survey concerning the council tax that covers fire and rescue.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority, which covers fire and rescue services in the two counties, is encouraging residents to complete the annual council tax precept survey.

The survey aims to understand residents’ views on the service and the amount that they are willing to pay to maintain such services.

Devon’s fire service is currently facing an annual reduction in Government funding while also experiencing rising operating costs.

Currently, the Service has 83 fire stations with almost 2,000 staff, helping to keep the 1.8 million people who live in the two counties safe. It attends an average of 15,700 incidents every year and provides home safety advice to more than 18,000 households.

Authority Chair Sara Randall Johnson said: ‘Every year we ask people within our communities what they think about the service the fire and rescue service provides and what level the precept should be.

‘We have to set a budget that balances the needs of the community with the amount of money we receive from the government and local residents.

‘I am acutely aware of the pressures that households are facing this autumn and winter, and this is a difficult time to ask whether people want to pay more.

‘The fire service is not immune from those pressures and is seeing operating costs rise. We want to make sure that every penny counts towards providing our communities with the best service possible.

‘I encourage people to complete the survey and give us your views so that we can set the budget and level of service that best supports the communities we serve.’

More details about the Services plans to modernise and improve their Service can be found in their Community Risk Management Plan.

To take part in the survey, complete the online council tax precept survey before November 30.