The Chair updated Members on the recent Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase Two report, which was published on the 4th September 2024.

It was noted that although a detailed report would be brought back to Authority in the future, the Committee’s thoughts would remain with the families and loved ones of the 72 people who had lost their lives during the tragic events of 14th June 2017.

Regarding the safety and well-being of the communities in Merseyside, and in light of the front-line responders of the service, the Authority expressed their support for the publication of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase Two report.

To consider any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillors Paul Tweed and Lynne Thompson.

To consider any Member Declarations of Interest in relation to any item on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest made in relation to any item on the agenda.

To consider the minutes of the last meeting held on 4^th April 2024.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the last meeting held on 4th April 2024 were agreed as an accurate record. 

To consider the report relating to Menopause Support (CFO/53/24).

The Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Nick Searle presented the revised Menopause Policy to Members and highlighted the positive work undertaken by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority (MFRA) into supporting employees through the menopause.

Members were advised that a staff consultation exercise was undertaken in 2022 involving engagement with staff networks, the Menopause Lounge, and an internal staff survey. It was clarified that a crucial aspect of the initiative entailed the organisation of workshops and seminars conducted by MFRA’s Occupational Health team, which was noted as successfully completed.

It was noted that the Strategic Leadership Team (SLT) agreed that from 1st April 2022, all employees would be able to reclaim the costs of their Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) prescriptions as part of an interim range of measures, including promotion of existing guidance and the Menopause Lounge, which were designed to improve the range of support offered to menopausal staff.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Nick Searle highlighted the Menopause Policy, which was approved by the Community Safety Protection Committee on 6th April 2023, focused on raising awareness. It was explained that Officers utilised the guidance from the Women and Equalities Committee to develop a wider package of proposals, to support menopausal women.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Nick Searle drew attention to the development of the informative guidance and e-learning packages which would reach a broader audience, noting that two learning packages were near completion. After the initial policy’s approval, it was advised that self-guided risk assessments had been created to help women discuss and structure conversations with managers, colleagues, family, and doctors.

Members were advised that a trial period for female-only gym hours was currently being implemented three times a week at Service Headquarters. Members noted that on July 27th, 2024, a leading menopause consultant would conduct menopause champions training and that Liverpool would host the NFCC Menopause Conference on September 11 in the city centre.

Following the request to review the original Menopause Policy's language for inclusivity, Members noted that the policy had been revised to include comprehensive support details for staff. After consultations within MFRA’s Gender Network and a review of national guidelines, it was noted that the language had been updated per ACAS recommendations.

Councillor Grace wanted to place on record her thanks and appreciation for the extensive research undertaken to update the policy, and the time spent in discussions with partners and stakeholders, including ACAS.

Councillor Byrom enquired if Members could attend the NFCC Menopause conference, noting that costs shouldn't be an issue. Councillor Byrom praised the assistance offered by MFRA to individuals impacted by menopause, he also welcomed and encouraged suggestions from Members for further improving the policy.

RESOLVED that;

a)    the support offered to menopausal women and other people who have a menstrual cycle including specific guidance documents, the Menopause Lounge support network, and the ability for staff to reclaim Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) prescription costs be noted; and

b)    the updated Menopause Policy which includes additional supportive measures developed following consultation with staff be approved.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

To consider the report relating to the Service Delivery Plan 2024-25 Q1 Update (CFO/54/24).

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Nick Searle presented the Service Delivery Plan Quarter 1 Update report for 2024-25, which outlined the scrutiny of the Authority's performance to date against its targets and objectives.

Members were informed that the Key Performance Indicator TC05, which related to special service calls, no longer had a set target, and would be used for quality assurance purposes only. It was noted that this decision reflected the nature of the incidents attended and would ensure that the service did not hinder public calls, nor were the Authority able to influence performance in areas such as assisting partner agencies.

The Deputy Chief Fire Officer Nick Searle explained that FC13, Total False Alarms Attended (discounting False Alarm Good Intent and FC24 Total Number of False Alarm Good Intent attended including Non-Alarm-Receiving Centre Domestic Incidents), would also no longer have a set target but would still be recorded for quality assurance. It was noted that no target was set for these figures to encourage reporting. It was emphasised that the Authority prioritised responding to calls, with attendance decisions made upon receiving them.

Attention was drawn to page 30 of the agenda/report wherein indicator (TC02) displayed 1,293 fires attended which MFRA responded to from April to June 2024, highlighting a decrease of 733 fewer incidents from last year. Members were advised that adverse spring weather may have contributed to this reduction, and that the Authority would reassess next year.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Nick Searle noted on page 32 that while a red indicator was present, the overall trend was usually green due to seasonal changes. He explained that the red status related to injuries occurring from deliberate dwelling fires. In response, it was confirmed that the MFRA’s Prevention team was investigating this issue to develop preventive measures and understand the causes.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Nick Searle stated that in May 2024, the TR08 attendance standard for fire appliances responding to life-risk incidents, which was established at 90%, was successfully achieved within a 10-minute response timeframe, which resulted in a remarkable 100% attendance rate.

Councillor Byrom highlighted the importance of statistical reports for insight into the Authority’s targets and objectives. It was noted that if Members wished to escalate any broader issues, they could do so to the Authority or Scrutiny Committee for further review.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Nick Searle highlighted the importance of monthly analysis of all relevant data and metrics to stay informed. The Authority's internal processes were explained as crucial for performance reviews and identifying improvement areas, it was noted that Strategy and Performance regularly review those metrics.

Councillor Lamb expressed his appreciation for the clarity of the report and the effective colour scheme, indicating progress. He highlighted the prevention section on page 63, expressing concern that the prevalence of orange might worry the public about unmet targets, noting that it may relate to specific stages throughout the year.

In response, the Deputy Chief Fire Officer explained that the orange status indicated potential delays in meeting  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To review the report relating to the Financial Review 2024/25 – April – June (CFO/56/24).

The Director of Finance and Procurement, Mike Rea, introduced the Financial Review 2024/25 April – June report. Mike Rea explained the Revenue & Capital budgets, Reserves, and the Treasury Management updates, which covered the period up to the 30th June 2024.

Members attention was drawn to the revenue position contained on pages 139 to 141 paragraph 7, which outlined the Authorities budgetary movements within the first quarter, including the use of reserves for Home Fire Safety, a drawdown from the inflation provision for rising subscription fees and adjustments to reflect the availability of external funds to deliver specific projects, along with otherinternal budget virements. It was explained that all the adjustments were self-balancing and did not impact the approved net budget requirement, which remained at £74.191m.

Paragraphs 9 through 15 outlined the robustness of the key revenue budget assumptions and the forecast spend for the financial year. The 2024/25 pay award assumption was set at 3% for all staff. It was advised that the finalised firefighter pay award was settled at 4%, which would require an increase in the current year of £340,000, and an increase of £450,000 for 2025/26 onwards.

Members were advised that the pay award for Local Government staff was still yet to be settled, noting that the employer had proposed £1,290 or 2.5%, whichever was greater. Mike Rea highlighted that this would exceed the current budget by approximately £40,000 per annum. It was acknowledged that there were no other significant growth pressures beyond those already included in the Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP).

Attention was drawn to the table on page 141, which summarised the anticipated year-end revenue position, the overall forecast was also explained as consistent with the approved budget.

The Capital movement within the first quarter was outlined on pages 141 to 142. It was noted that paragraph 17 explained the changes to the capital programme in the first quarter. It was advised that the rephasing of capital schemes at the end of 2023/24 had resulted in a net increase in the current planned spend of £8.6 million.

It was noted that the Capital Programme had been increased by £2.5 million to support the planned asset refresh on behalf of Home Office's for National Resilience. It was explained that this included £1.4million on the Enhanced Logistics Support programme and £1.1 million on the Marauding Terrorist Attack (MTA) Programme. Mike Rea directed Members to the table on page 142 which summarised the capital programme movements in the first quarter.

The reserve movements in the first quarter were detailed on page 143. It was noted that there had been minimal movement in reserves during this period, with a minor drawdown of £12,000 from the Community Risk Management Reserve. Members were advised that the general reserve had remained unchanged at £3.7 million.

The Treasury Management performance was detailed on pages 143 to 146, with Members noting the performance of Treasury Management was consistent with the approved Treasury Management Strategy for 2024/25.

It was noted that at the end  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

To consider the report relating to the Sale of Croxteth Fire Station and the TDA Site on Storrington Avenue (CFO/55/24).

Please note that this report is exempt by virtue of paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.