To consider any apologies for absence.

Apologies received from Councillors Finneran and Gorst.

To consider any declarations of interest.

There were no declarations of interest.

To consider the minutes of the last meeting held on 6 April 2023.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the last meeting held 6^th  April 2023 were agreed as an accurate record.

To consider report CFO/037/23 which details the performance of the Service against the objectives and the performance targets/outcomes as set out in the Service Delivery Plan 2023/24 for the period April to June 2023.

Chief Fire Officer, Phil Garrigan presented the Service Delivery Plan for 2023/24 with an update covering the period of April to June 2023.

Member’s were advised that the service had adopted a new process for monitoring performance (blue, red, amber, green) and this was visible in the report.

It was acknowledged that the number of incidents attended over this period had reduced, with 144 fewer fires than in 2022. This was attributed to the proactive preventative work that was being undertaken and the Service’s high visibility and engagement within the community.

The number of fires in primary dwellings had also reduced by 71 compared to 2022/23 and it was believed this was a result of work undertaken by prevention, response and protection in regards to engagement.

It was noted that there had been a slight increase in deliberate fires in unoccupied properties (up 1 from the previous year) but that performance in relation to accidental fires has been good, with a year on year reduction.

The report outlined each departments functional plan and Members were advised that the delivery of the Training and Development Academy was on schedule and that there would be an opportunity for a walk around of the site.

The Chief acknowledged the recent Fire Cadet Games noting that it was a brilliant event attended by 18 Fire and Rescue Services at the Albert Dock, Liverpool. The Authority placed on record its thanks to the staff who did an exceptional job in delivering that event. In terms of events, Members were advised that Merseyside had hosted both the Eurovision Song Contest and the Golf Open in the last six months and both of these events had been hugely successful.

The Chair thanked the Chief for a comprehensive and positive report which covered a wide range of areas. He also commended the Service on the Fire Cadet Games which he had attended, noting that it had been an engaging and positive event for young people.

Councillor Thompson questioned the number of deliberate fires in unoccupied areas and asked if there was any extra pressure that the Authority could exert on the owners of these derelict buildings to ensure they were adequately secured. The Chief advised that the arson team were tackling anti-social behaviour and working with other agencies on how to board up and secure these buildings where there are repeat issues.

Councillor Maloney noted that there had been a fatality at Car Mill Damn in St Helens and wanted to thank the Service for its response that day. Furthermore, she raised concerns over wild swimming and whether the dangers were being communicated to young people. The Chief noted that he had attended that incident and had seen first-hand the impact that loss had on the community. The Authority had officers who focused on water safety and there was a multiagency response to raise awareness and educe people on the dangers of wild swimming. Members were advised that the Marine Rescue Unit were active on the River Mersey.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

To consider report CFO/38/23 which includes the revenue, capital, and reserves financial position for the Authority for 2023/24. 

Ian Cummins, Director of Finance and Procurement presented the Financial Review for 2023/24 with an update covering the period of April to June 2023/24.

Councillor Kenny asked for assurance around the key budget assumptions and it was explained that the biggest risk was around pay as the ‘green book’ pay award was still being negotiated with the Unions. However, it was felt that underspend from the level of vacancies in the organisation could mitigate that risk. 

With regard to inflation, Members were advised that prices were being monitored and reviewed against the current assumptions.

RESOLVED that

a)    the proposed revenue and capital budget alignments be approved;

b)    the use of the increase in investment income, £02.78m, to fund capital expenditure and reduce the level of borrowing be approved;

c)    the realignment of reserves and the use of £3.722m of available capital reserve to fund capital expenditure and reduce the level of capital borrowing be approved; and

d)    the Director of Finance and Procurement be instructed  to continue to work with budget managers to maximise savings in 2023/24 and use any savings to reduce the level of capital borrowing.

To consider report CFO/39/23 which details the proposal for the re-design of Primary Fire Control, in order to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of operational response.

Chief Fire Officer, Phil Garrigan presented the Fire Control Investment in New Technologies and Room Re-design report that outlined the request to upgrade the Fire Control suite.

Members were reminded that at the budget strategy day on the 19^th January 2023, they had discussed investing in technological advancements to assist the Authority in responding quicker to incidents. The proposal before Members sought to introduce a media wall to the Control Room and software that would allow control to utilise mobile phones to get actual live footage of an incident that can affect the Authority’s response.

It was noted that all existing furniture would be relocated into a secondary control room in the Training and Development Academy.

Councillor Maloney asked about the use of body cameras for firefighters and it was explained that their use would be predicated on command roles to safeguard officers making decisions. It was suggested that they could also be utilised in protection during fire safety inspections to identify potential offenses.   

 RESOLVED that

the request to draw- down £89k from the Capital Reserve to fund those elements of the upgrade top Fire Control that cannot be covered from existing budgets as detailed in paragraphs 16 and 17 be approved