DETAILS of the increased cost householders will have to pay for Essex Fire and Rescue Service have been announced.

Average council tax holders will find the precept paid to the fire service will go up by £4.95p a year, or 9.5p a week, from 1 April. That is a 5.65% increase for a Band D property, taking the yearly total to £92.52p, or £1.77p a week.

The panel approved raising The rise accompanies one imposed for the increased cost of police services, which will still not be enough to cover all the Essex force's requirements and may result in job cuts.

The Police precept will go up by £14.94 a year, or 29p a week, a 5.74% increase for a Band D property, taking the yearly total to £275.31p or £5.28p a week.

Together the joint increases amount to householders paying £19.89p more each year, or 38p a week for a band D property.

Essex Police and Foire Commissioner Roger Hirst said: "In our recent PFCC precept survey, held in December 2025, 81% of respondents said they were willing to increase funding to Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, with 85% of respondents saying they were willing to increase funding to Essex Police.

"You have told us you wish to support Essex Police and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service. We are humbled and extremely grateful for this strong support by the public of Essex for both emergency services."

"These budgets will allow us to keep Essex people safe and reduce crime further down to historic lows."

Download our Nub News App!

- It’s FREE and available now
- Breaking news notifications
- Your Town in Your Pocket

Also see: Not on my watch - Commissioner doesn't want more AI