Part One of the Minutes of the previous meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee, held on 30^th July 2013, are submitted for approval as a correct record and for signature by the Chair.

Members considered the minutes of the open session of the previous Policy and Resources meeting on 30^th July 2013.

Resolved that:

The Minutes of the previous meeting on 30^th July 2013 be approved and signed accordingly by the Chair as a true record.

Part Two Exempt Minutes of the previous meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee, held on 30^th July 2013, are submitted for approval as a correct record and for signature by the Chair.

Members considered the minutes of the closed session of the previous Policy and Resources meeting on 30^th July 2013.

Resolved that:

The Minutes of the closed session of the previous meeting on 30^th July 2013 be approved and signed accordingly by the Chair as a true record.

To consider a presentation by representatives of the Local Enterprise Partnership, concerning an update on the activity of the LEP and benefits to MFRA in being affiliated to the LEP.

Members were provided with a presentation by Mike Palin and Paul Dickinson from the Liverpool Enterprise Partnership (LEP), at the request of this Committee, regarding an activity update of the LEP and the benefits to the Authority of being affiliated to the LEP.

Resolved that:

The presentation be noted.

To consider Report CFO/116/13 of the Clerk to the Authority, concerning approved Exemption requests in the financial year 2012/13.

Members considered report CFO/116/13 of the Clerk to the Authority regarding approved Exemptions to Contract Standing Orders requested during the financial year 2012/13.

A question regarding the use of temporary workers in the Kitchen due to sickness was raised.

It was noted that the Authority have previously requested a report regarding ‘living wage’, be brought back to Members, which would be helpful to consider in relation to the use of temporary workers.

Resolved that:

a)    The report regarding approved exemption requests in the financial year 2012/13 be noted; and

b)    A report detailing the use of temporary workers and reasons for staff turnover be brought back to Members.

To consider Report CFO/115/13 of the Deputy Chief Executive, concerning the financial position, both revenue and capital, for the Authority for 2013/14, covering the period April to June 2013.

Members considered report CFO/115/13 of the Deputy Chief Executive Officer to review the financial position, both revenue and capital, for the Authority for the first quarter 2013/14 (April –June 2013).

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer asked Members to note that within the review £250k of the Authority’s cost smoothing reserve for organisational restructuring, is being specifically used to cover any cost smoothing risks associated with funding of the Princes Trust.

Resolved that:

a)    The Financial Review 2013-14, April to June 2013 be noted; and

b)    The £250K cost smoothing reserve be used to smooth costs around risks associated with Princes Trust funding shortfalls.

To consider the report CFO/112/13 of the Deputy Chief Executive concerning a review of progress on the North West Fire & Rescue Services Private Finance Initiative (PFI) Project in the period from March – August 2013 and to confirm the end of the construction phase of the project.

Members considered report CFO/112/13 of the Deputy Chief Executive Officer regarding the North West Fire and Rescue Services Private Finance Initiative Project (PFI) progress for the period March to August 2013, and the end of the construction phase of the project.

Resolved that:

a)    The progress on the North West Fire and Rescue Services Private Finance Initiative Project be noted; and

b)    Thanks be expressed to all staff involved in the delivery of the project, and the formal station openings; and 

c)    The inclusion of the community, schools and local councils at the station openings be commended; and

d)    Positive steps be made to encourage the Community to use the facilities at the new stations.

To consider Report CFO/100/13 of the Deputy Chief Executive, concerning sign up to the Code of Conduct for Operational PFI/ PPP Contracts issued by H.M. Teasury.

Members considered report CFO/100/13 of the Deputy Chief Executive Officer regarding a Code of Conduct for Operational PFI/PPP Contracts.

Resolved that:

The Authority being a signatory to the Code of Conduct for Operational Private Finance Initiative / Public Private partnership Contracts be approved.

To consider Report CFO/114/13 of the Deputy Chief Fire Officer, concerning a revised discipline procedure for relevant officers holding statutory positions in Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, which is based on the prescriptions of the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) England Regulations 2001.

Members Considered report CFO/114/13 of the Deputy Chief Fire Officer regarding a Discipline Procedure for Statutory Officers.

A debate took place around the wording used under the right to appeal section within the procedure  regarding whether grounds of appeal should be included by a Statutory Officer if wishing to appeal against a sanction.

Resolved that:

a)    The introduction of the revised discipline procedure for relevant officers (as detailed in appendix A to the report) be approved with the provision that;

b)    the Authority’s Task and Finish Group scrutinising the Authority’s discipline and grievance procedures, compare the Authority’s discipline procedures for all staff with the discipline procedure for statutory officers and check that the wording in relation to what detail should be included in any employee’s letter of Appeal against a decision in order to ensure that they all reflect the requirements of ACAS and the various conditions of service (Grey/Green/Gold book) and, where possible, are consistent; and

c)    Approve the changes to the terms of reference to the Audit Sub  Committee (as detailed in appendix C to the report) required in order to put the revised discipline procedure into effect.