To consider apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillor Dave Hanratty.

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.

To consider the minutes of the last meeting held on 24^th July 2025.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the last meeting held on 24^th July 2025 be approved as an accurate record.

To consider the Purchase of Heavy Vehicle Stabilisation Equipment (New Dimensions 2) report (CFO19/2526).

Chief Fire Officer, Nick Searle, presented the report to Members for approval of the purchase of Heavy Vehicle Stabilisation Equipment New Dimensions 2 (ND2). The Chief explained that ND2 was a National Capability uplift programme, and the Service was involved as part of their role as the Lead Authority in the UK National Resilience. 

It was highlighted that the Urban Search & Rescue Capability provided a response to a range of catastrophic incidents, both natural and deliberate events, specifically large-scale structural collapses and serious transport incidents. The Chief Fire Officer drew Members’ attention to paragraph 6 of the report. Members were advised the Authority had conducted a tender exercise utilising YPO dynamic system purchasing framework and the preferred bidder had been identified as Vimpex Ltd.  The Chief Fire Officer explained that funding for the equipment was provided by MHCLG as part of the overall ND2 programme.

The Chief Fire Officer described the equipment as being similar to large scaffolding poles with different weighting ratios to ensure safer areas for Firefighters to work in. Members were advised that this equipment had been used in various incidents around the world most notably at Grenfell Tower to ensure there was a safe area for all firefighters post incident and all 19 Search & Rescue teams around the UK as part of the National Resilience programme would be given a set. 

It was queried by Councillor Lynn O’Keeffe whether it was due to the Authority being the Lead Authority that it was their responsibility for obtaining this equipment and why they were looking at purchasing this for everyone and not just MFRS. Councillor Les Byrom reiterated that this was for procurement purposes only and that the monies were paid for by the Ministry of Housing and Local Communities.

Councillor Grahame McManus stated that the procurement of the equipment was through a third party and asked what the price would have been to purchase in this country and whether there was nothing available which met the standards required by the Service.  It was also queried whether the Authority could have gone direct to the Company. Members were advised via the framework it was only possible to procure via the established agent.

RESOLVED that Members noted the contents of the report and

approved the award of the contract to Vimpex Limited for the provision of Paratech Heavy Vehicle Stabilisation equipment at a total cost of £1,567,580 net of VAT.

To consider the Procurement of Technical Rescue Cutting Equipment report (CFO/20/2526).

Please note that this report is exempt 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 informing Members of the outcome of the exercise for procuring technical rescue cutting equipment for MFRS and ND2. It was explained that the Services current cutting equipment was due for replacement between 2025 and 2030, and that due to recent challenges and thefts, a decision had been made to replace the equipment sooner to ensure operational resilience and reduce the risk of theft, providing long term value for money.

Members were advised that a competitive tendering process had been completed through YPO framework

It was advised that the costs of the equipment for MFRA could be contained within the Medium-Term Financial Plan with the remaining costs for National Resilience to be met through MHCLG funding.  The Chief highlighted that the security of new equipment increased the ability to recover stolen items due to its tracking facility which prevented total loss together with the ultimate solution of remote disablement which made the equipment unusable.

Councillor Andrew Makinson expressed his concern at the level of thefts and enquired if there had been any lobbying in terms of the CPS, Government and Courts to ensure sufficient penalties in respect of these despicable crimes.  The Chief Fire Officer assured Members that concerns had been raised through NFCC channels but was unsure about locally and would this find out.

Councillor Jeanie Bell queried whether the Service had looked at liability regarding whether the equipment had been secured properly and whether the Service was able to recuperate the value of the equipment. 

Monitoring Officer, Ria Groves advised Members if equipment was held offsite, the Authority were unable to claim as the insurance would not trigger.  It was agreed that any communications about the new kit being protected should make it clear that there was an IT solution available to disable equipment.

Councillor Jeanie Bell advised that she would be more than happy to approve the procurement of this equipment and suggested that any public communications should concentrate more on reassurance than as a deterrent.

Councillor Andrew Makinson queried how confident the Authority was regarding IT Security to mobilise equipment.  The Chief Fire Officer replied that he was very confident and that systems were audited and signed off, stating he was aware of the challenges ahead.

RESOLVED that Members noted the content of the report and approved the award of contract for technical rescue cutting equipment to Weber Rescue UK LTD at a total cost of £1,648,330.