The Chair, Councillor James Roberts, informed Members that it was Councillor Jeanie Bell’s final Committee meeting. He expressed his thanks and appreciation to her on behalf of the Authority. He also wished all Authority Councillors the best of luck in the upcoming elections.

To consider apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillors Lesley Rennie and Jeanette Banks (It was noted that Councillor Edna Finneran was acting as substitute for Councillor Banks).

To consider declarations of interest for any of the items on the agenda.

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

As part of the New Dimensions 2 programme for National Resilience, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service were asked by MHCLG as Lead Authority for National Resilience to explore the acquisition of assets to assist in the response to wildfires as part of a 12-month pilot. Officers were advised that the assets would need to be procured in anticipation of the wildfire period which provisional commences in May each year.

Part of the assets to be procured were 6 unimog vehicles on a lease basis for a period of 12 months. Officers identified the Service could deliver this via a lease contract in time for the upcoming wildfire period.

Officers were provided with a quote for the 6 leased vehicles at £309,890.16 for 12 months with Lloyd Limited.

As the value of the contract was in excess of £300,000 Members approval would be needed. Therefore, Officers were planning to bring a report to Members at the next available committee meeting to seek approval to award the lease contract to Lloyd Limited as a direct award under a legally compliant framework.

However, Officers were advised on Monday 16^th February 2026 that to meet the required deadline to obtain the vehicles in time for the wildfire period, the lease contract would need to be signed by close of play on Thursday 19^th February 2026.

Due to the urgency of the matter, the award of the lease contract to Lloyd Limited for £309,890.16 was treated as urgent business under Standing Order 17 of the Authority’s Constitution. As the time scales did not allow for the decision to be brought before a Committee, the Chief Fire Officer and the Chair of the Authority agreed to exercise their powers to discharge the decision-making function of the Authority in accordance with their powers under Standing Order 17.2 to approve the award of the lease contract to Lloyd Limited on behalf of the Authority.

The Chair asked for this matter to be brought to Members attention at the next meeting of a Committee.

The Chair highlighted the urgent item of business contained within the agenda, and that it was brought to the Urgency Committee due to time constraints relating to the funding.

To consider the minutes of the last meeting held on 20^th January 2026.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the last meeting held on 20th January 2026 were agreed as an accurate record.

To consider the Financial Review 2025/26 Quarter 3 October – December report (DFP/17/2526).

Director of Finance and Procurement, Mike Rea introduced the report and highlighted to Members that the financial review report covered the period from October to December 2025, which provided assurance that the approved budget remained robust and that the forecast position would be contained within available resources. It was explained that the report addressed revenue, capital, reserves, and treasury management.

Members were advised that the net revenue budget of £77.9 million remained unchanged and that Officers had identified a number of favourable variances. These included £250,000 savings within the non?uniform employee budget due to vacancies, a £300,000 favourable variance on the radio communications contract, and £150,000 additional income from services to strategic partners. It was highlighted that the contingency for pay, and prices had not been required, resulting in a one?off saving of £250,000. Members were advised that investment income was also forecasted to exceed the target by £300,000, bringing total one?off savings to £1.25 million.

In relation to the capital programme, Members noted that Officers had reviewed scheme timelines and identified several realignments and savings. The programme had been updated for £3.6 million of changes, including additional funding for the National Resilience Uplift Programme and savings across equipment, building and IT schemes.

Members were advised that the reserves position, set out on page 25, outlined no drawdowns or adjustments during the quarter.

Regarding treasury management, it was highlighted that the Authority continued to receive services from Liverpool City Council. Members noted the Bank of England’s decision in December 2025 to reduce the bank rate to 3.75% and that inflation had fallen to 3.2%. It was highlighted that the Authority anticipated new long?term borrowing in 2025–26 and held £62 million in investments and £33.7 million in outstanding debt at the end of December 2025.

The Chair, Councillor James Roberts, noted that at the previous budget strategy day he had anticipated a reduction in the Bank of England base rate. He stated that subsequent events had altered the outlook and that the future direction of interest rates had become uncertain. Mike Rea informed members that the Bank of England had met earlier that day and had held the base rate at 3.75%. He reported that earlier expectations of inflation falling toward 2% had shifted, with forecasts now indicating a rise to 3.5%–4% within the year.

Councillor Andrew Makinson referred to the £191,000 allocation for the Museum within the capital programme. He noted that the scheme had repeatedly been deferred, He asked whether any of the proposed works were safety related or whether they were general refurbishment that could continue to be postponed. Mike Rea confirmed that the works were not safety related. He stated that the proposal concerned a potential expansion of the museum’s footprint to accommodate additional vehicles. He advised that the scheme was likely to be deferred again, particularly in light of the prevailing uncertainty around interest rates.

Councillor McManus noted that diesel prices had risen by  ...  view the full minutes text for item 40.

To consider the Service Delivery Plan 2025-26 Quarter 3 October – December Update (CFO/45/2526).

Chief Fire Officer Nick Searle presented the Service Delivery Plan for October to December 2025, it was highlighted that Fire Control had received 18,912 emergency calls from April to December 2025, an increase of 2,514 on the previous year, and that 97% of 999 calls were answered within 10 seconds, achieving the 96% target. He reported to Members that the 2025 bonfire period recorded the lowest deliberate secondary activity, with 123 incidents attended, 50 fewer than two years earlier, and noted that planning for the next Operation Bangor had already commenced.

Members were advised that carbon output for all buildings was lower than quarter two and well below the target, reflecting investment in air source heat pumps and photovoltaic cells. It was reported that overall sickness absence at the end of quarter three was 5.3%, exceeding the 4% target and higher than the previous year. The Chief Fire Officer noted that long term mental health and musculoskeletal conditions remained the main contributors and that Officers were reviewing data, benchmarking, and current interventions to identify improvements.

The Chief Fire Officer, highlighted that work was underway to strengthen the management of other duties staff, including improved recording, bringing staff into headquarters where appropriate, and identifying roles that supported wellbeing and contribution. Members were advised that although sickness levels remained high, the service continued to perform strongly. It was highlighted that the Authority had chosen to retain the existing sickness target rather than reduce it and would continue efforts to improve attendance over the next 12 months.

Councillor Hanratty noted that sickness and absence levels remained high despite the work of the Task and Finish Group and the extensive support provided by the Authority. He expressed concern that mental health related absence had not improved and asked what further measures could be taken to reduce sickness and support staff. The Chief Fire Officer highlighted that the Authority’s Occupational Health provision, particularly for mental health, was exceptional. Members were reminded that the decision not to raise the sickness target would not reflect the seriousness of the issue.

The Chief Fire Officer advised Members that work was underway to improve support for non-operational staff and noted that some absences were linked to delays in medical treatment. It was highlighted the impact of an ageing workforce due to pension changes and stated that the Authority might need to expand day related roles in future to support older operational staff.

Councillor Hanratty raised concerns about the impact of increased retirement ages on firefighters’ physical and mental capability to carry out operational duties. He asked whether national data existed to show how this change was affecting fire and rescue services across the country.

The Chair, Councillor James Roberts, noted that sickness absence data was sensitive but asked what benchmarking information was available and whether this was something the Authority could undertake or whether it required action by the Ministry. The Chief Fire Officer confirmed that benchmarking was carried out across the wider fire and rescue sector and that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 41.

To consider the Service Delivery Plan 2026/27 report (CFO/44/2526).

The Chief Fire Officer, Nick Searle presented the Service Delivery Plan for 2026–27, it was explained that the plan brought together actions from the Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP), functional plans, station plans, and performance indicators, and noted that the Authority was entering the final year of the current CRMP while beginning work on the post?2027 plan. Members were advised that that performance was monitored monthly by Officers and reported quarterly to the Strategic Leadership Team and Authority Committees. It was noted that each function had produced a new plan for 2026–27 and that internal scrutiny arrangements had been adjusted to give greater responsibility to directors and functional leads.

Councillor Hanratty welcomed the report and queried communication activity, noting the need for regular public messaging on seasonal risks such as barbecues and summer?related fires. He queried how the Authority ensured that safety themes were promoted throughout the year. The Chief Fire Officer stated that the corporate communications team used multiple channels, including social media, the website, and engagement with community groups, to share safety messages across Merseyside. It was confirmed that the Service worked continuously to maximise reach and engagement.

Director of Strategy and Performance, Deb Appleton added that communications followed national themes but also responded quickly to emerging local risks. It was reported that social media engagement was strong and that the small team planned content proactively while also reacting swiftly when required.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Ged Sheridan highlighted that while national NFCC seasonal campaigns continued, the Service was increasingly focusing on local, responsive prevention work, including refinements to Operation Bangor and realignment of resources following policing structural changes. It was highlighted that a water safety campaign would be launched in areas with historic issues. The importance of combining national themes with targeted local activity was noted.

Councillor Hanratty raised concerns following a vape shop fire in Scotland, noting the rapid growth of such premises across Merseyside. It was asked how the Service would promote fire safety compliance, ensure business owners understood their responsibilities, and consider inspections or other interventions. The Chief Fire Officer advised that the Authority would await the findings of the fire investigation in Scotland, but it was noted that Lithium Ion Batteries continued to present a significant sector wide risk. It was confirmed that the Authority had maintained a protection inspection programme across Merseyside to ensure premises complied with legal requirements and to provide assurance to the Authority.

Councillor Bell commented positively on the Service Delivery Plan, noting that the document was clear, accessible, and well designed. It was highlighted that the inclusion of a dedicated section on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion was particularly welcoming. A query was raised regarding whether the published version would be available in accessible formats, including text to speech. Deb Appleton advised that accessibility features were supported through the website’s “Site Me” project.

Councillor Hanratty highlighted that the Authority may wish to revisit previous involvement in heritage protection networks, given the number of listed and historically significant  ...  view the full minutes text for item 42.

To consider the New Dimensions 2 – HVP Hose report (CFO/48/2526).

Chief Fire Officer, Nick Searle introduced the report, noting that it related to the National Resilience New Dimensions 2 Programme, seeking approval to procure 250mm high?volume pump hose as part of the national asset refresh.

Members were advised that the contract would be awarded to Angloco Ltd for £770,750.87 to supply 3,120 metres of hose and associated equipment. Members were advised that high?volume pumps were a key national asset used for wide?area flooding and major fires, and that funding was provided by Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG).

The Chair, Councillor James Roberts asked whether Angloco’s selection was due to limited market availability, referencing a previous discussion. It was advised by Head of Procurement, Hywyn Pritchard that, unlike the flood pumps where Angloco was the sole supplier, the hose procurement had been run as a competitive tender. Two bids were received, and Angloco’s was the only sustainable submission, resulting in them winning the contract. It was confirmed by the Chair that Angloco had secured the contract through a competitive process.

RESOLVED that:

a)         the contents of the report be noted; and

b)         the award of the contract to Angloco Limited, at a total cost of £770,750.87 for the procurement of 3120 metres HVP hose and ancillary equipment be approved.

To consider the Award of the Scientific Support Services Contract report (CFO/46/2526).

Chief Fire Officer, Nick Searle introduced the report, advising Members of the outcome of the procurement exercise for National Resilience DIM (Detection, Identification and Monitoring) training and sought approval to award contracts for specialist scientific support services. Members noted the award of Lot 1 (DIM 1 and DIM 2) to Bureau Veritas UK Ltd for an estimated £442,448, and Lot 2 (DIM 3) to Hazmat Training Ltd for an estimated £307,560.

It was noted that the Authority had held responsibility for managing and coordinating National Resilience skills acquisition and training since April 2017, and that the scientific expertise required for DIM training did not exist within the Fire and Rescue Service due to its specialist nature. It was noted that the current contract expires on 31 March 2026 and that the procurement exercise resulted in one bid for Lot 1 and two bids for Lot 2, with preferred bidders identified through evaluation. It was confirmed that funding for both contracts would be met through the National Resilience Grant provided by MHCLG.

RESOLVED that;

a)         the contents of the report be noted;

b)         the contract award for Lot 1 (DIM1 and DIM2 training courses) to   Bureau Veritas UK Limited, for an estimated value of £442,448 be approved; and

To consider the ND2 Procurement: Award of Contract for CBRN DIM Equipment report (CFO/47/2526).

This minute contains exempt information by virtue of paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972

Chief Fire Officer, Nick Searle, introduced the report noting that the report outlined the outcome of the procurement exercise for 23 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) devices under the National Resilience ND2 Programme. Members were advised that the contract would be awarded to Southern Scientific Ltd for £780,459, covering the devices and associated consumables. It was highlighted that PCR technology enabled rapid amplification of genetic material to support accurate detection and identification of biological agents.

The Chief Fire Officer, highlighted that an open tender process had been undertaken, with two compliant bids received from Southern Scientific Ltd and Hazmat Link Ltd. Both suppliers participated in user trials, and it was confirmed that Southern Scientific Ltd was identified as the preferred bidder following evaluation. Funding was provided through MHCLG as part of the ND2 programme.

Councillor Bell sought assurance that the preferred supplier had been selected on the basis of quality and capability rather than cost alone. The Chief Fire Officer advised that tender evaluation considered multiple factors and that financial value was not the sole determinant, with emphasis placed on ensuring the equipment met operational requirements.

RESOLVED that;

a)         the contents of the report be noted; and

b)         the award of a contract valued at £780,459 to Southern Scientific Limited, for the procurement of 23 x PCR units and associated consumables available be approved