Residents across the West of England will pay just £1.49 more for fire and rescue services in 2021/22.

The 1.99 per cent increase – equivalent to 2.9 pence per week for the average band D household – was approved by Councillors on the Avon Fire Authority last week.

Most local authorities across the area are set to increase their budgets by 1.99 per cent and charge an additional three per cent to secure extra funding for adult social care.

Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens saw her request for a £15 increase to pay for 70 new police officers rejected, so is now proposing a rise of £13.39, or 5.88 per cent.

Avon Fire and Rescue Service’s 1.99 per cent rise will bring in an additional £599,000.