To consider any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Lesley Rennie and Jeanette Banks.

To consider declarations of interest in relation to any item on the agenda.

Councillor Kieran Murphy declared an interest in relation to Item 4 on the agenda by virtue of a s.106 Local Government Fonana Act 1992 restriction, in which the Monitoring Officer had been advised prior, it was agreed by the Chair he would be excused for Item 4 and did not vote on this matter.

To consider the minutes of the previous meeting held on 23^rd October 2025.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meeting held on the 23rd October 2025 were agreed as an accurate record.

To consider the report relating to the Budget & Financial Plan 2026/27 – 2030/31 (DFP/16/2526).

Director of Finance and Procurement, Mike Rea introduced the report noting that the report provided the essential information required to set a medium-term capital and revenue financial plan aligned to the Authority’s strategic aims.

Members were advised that this would enable a balanced budget for 2026/27 based on a £5 precept increase, in accordance with statutory requirements. It was highlighted that the opening sections of the report summarised the background to the proposed 2026/27–2030/31 financial plan.

Members were informed that the capital programme totalled £44.2 million, with £42.3 million funded through borrowing, and that the programme had increased by £8.9 million due to the addition of the 2030/31 financial year. It was noted that detailed capital expenditure proposals included provision for asset plan investments. The meeting was advised that the recommended approach to the Minimum Revenue Provision remained consistent with the current strategy, using the asset-life method, and that associated costs had been built into the updated plan.

It was further noted that the proposed borrowing remained within the required prudential indicators and that the Treasury Management Strategy set an authorised borrowing limit of £68 million while maintaining existing investment criteria. Members were informed that key revenue assumptions included a 3% pay award in 2026/27, 2.5% in later years, CPI at around 2.5% by mid-2026, and £5 precept increases for the next three years before moving to 2% annual increases. The meeting was reminded that the decision required on the day related specifically to approving the £5 increase for 2026/27.

It was reported that the 2026/27, 2027/28 and 2028/29 budget remained balanced, although small financial risks were expected in 2029/30 and 2030/31 due to uncertainties around pay and government funding. Members noted the review of reserves, including the recommendation to maintain the general fund at £3.9 million and approve the committed reserves. Finally, it was confirmed that £41.213 million needed to be raised from Council Tax in 2026/27, requiring an increase in the Band D charge from £96.25 to £101.25, with most Band A households seeing an increase of just over six pence per week.

The Chair, Les Byrom thanked all Officers involved for their hard work in preparing the budget. It was noted that although funding pressures had previously caused concern, recent lobbying had resulted in some improvements, which would continue, particularly around capital funding.

Members were advised that the Authority would be responsible for managing over £100 million of capital investments linked to National Resilience, major projects such as the redevelopment of Kirkby Fire Station and other estate improvements. It was noted that capital spending carried direct implications for the revenue budget, and these had been fully reflected in the proposals presented.

The Chair highlighted that changes to Pension fund contributions required a prudent approach over the next three years. It was observed that although the settlement was presented as a single-year allocation, it effectively operated as a multi-year settlement, providing some clarity for forward planning.

Councillor Bell highlighted that she was satisfied with the report provided and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 29.

To consider the report relating to Asset Management Plans (CFO/40/2526).

Chief Fire Officer, Nick Searle introduced the report explaining that the report set out how the Authority would align its physical assets and systems with its corporate objectives over the next five years, from 2026/27 to 2030/31. Members were advised that the plans outlined how buildings, land and contents, data and technology, and the transport fleet would be managed efficiently throughout their life cycles, taking account of financial and environmental pressures and supporting the CRMP, Service Delivery Plan, People Plan and MTFP.

Councillor Murphy queried what the planned refurbishments at the King’s Trust site in Bromborough Fire Station involved, noting that the property fell within his ward.

Stewart Woods, Head of Estates, explained that the Authority was still determining the future use of the King’s Trust building. He confirmed that the existing training tower on the site required replacement and that the plan was to demolish it and install a new steel training tower elsewhere on the site. He added that once the tower was relocated, options for the remainder of the building would be reviewed, which could include making no further changes depending on operational need.

Councillor Bell asked about the empty LLAR houses in Newton le Willows and the old stores building, querying what the Authority intended to do with them and whether there were plans for disposal or sale to generate a financial return.

Stewart Woods explained that the LLAR site and the old stores have either already been sold or are in the process of being sold and were included within the current capital business appraisal process.

RESOLVED that; the 2026/27-2030/31 Asset Management Plans provided as appendices to this report be approved.

To consider the report relating to the Microsoft Enterprise Agreement Renewal 2025 (CFO/41/2526).

The Chief Fire Officer, Nick Searle reported that the Authority needed to renew its Microsoft Enterprise Agreement and recommended awarding the contract to Phoenix Software Limited as the Microsoft licensing solution provider for a three-year period from April 2026, at a total cost of £1.044 million.

It was explained that the current agreement expires on 31 March 2026 and that such agreements can only be purchased through accredited providers. Members were advised that several procurement routes were assessed, and the framework operated by Kent County Council (Y230065) offered the most cost-effective option, providing a lower overall cost than the CCS framework. The annual costs would be £0.344 million in year one and £0.350 million in years two and three, all contained within existing budgets.

RESOLVED that;

a)    the contents of the report be noted; and

b)    the award of a contract to Phoenix Software Limited to act as the Authority’s Microsoft LSP for three years from April 2026 for £1.044m be approved

To consider the report relating to the Bulk Fuel Contract 2026-2028 (CFO/39/2526).

The Chief Fire Officer, Nick Searle introduced the report for the award of a bulk fuel contract..

Members were advised that the CCS framework was identified as the most effective procurement route, allowing the Authority to benefit from collective public-sector purchasing and economies of scale. A competition was run through the framework, and CCS evaluated the bids and identified Standard Fuels Limited as the preferred supplier. The new contract would begin on 1 April 2026,.

The Chief Fire Officer confirmed that the process had complied with contract standing orders and public procurement regulations, and that securing fuel supply supported the Authority’s statutory duty to maintain business continuity.

The Chair, Les Byrom, noted that the need for a diesel-fuel contract was simply a consequence of the Authority still operating a diesel fleet. He reminded Members that the Authority had already agreed, at a previous meeting, to begin the process of replacing vehicles through a separate programme of work. He emphasised that while the long-term direction was towards greener, more sustainable fleet options, the current diesel vehicles remained in service and required fuel until they could be replaced in line with the established replacement programme.

RESOLVED that;

a)    the content of this report be noted; and

b)    the award of the contract to Standard Fuels Ltd for the provision of bulk diesel fuel supplies for an estimated contract value of £440,000 be approved.

To consider the report relating to the Award of Contract for the Procurement of Breathing Apparatus (CFO/42/2526).

The Chief Fire Officer reported the outcome of the Northwest regional procurement process for new Breathing Apparatus (BA) and sought approval to award the contract to Interspiro Ltd for an estimated £2 million. Members noted that the Authority had participated in the regional programme through the Northwest Operational Equipment Group, which agreed a coordinated asset-refresh approach.

Members were advised that a full regional procurement exercise was carried out using the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service framework to ensure compliance with procurement regulations and established governance. It was noted that Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service had led the process, with Cheshire providing legal support. Supplier engagement, technical evaluation and extensive wearer trials were undertaken, including at the Training and Development Academy, the Mersey Tunnels and high-rise buildings. Three compliant bids were received, and Interspiro Ltd achieved the highest overall score based on technical performance, usability, safety and whole-life cost.

The Chief Fire Officer highlighted that Operational staff were involved throughout, from specification development to structured feedback during trials. Subject to approval, implementation would require training, familiarisation, fit-testing and updates to operational procedures. The regional procurement totals around £10 million, with Merseyside’s estimated spend to be £2 million under a call-off contract.

RESOLVED that;

a)    the contents of this report be noted; and

b)    the award of the contract for Breathing Apparatus equipment and associated ancillary items to the successful bidder, Interspiro Ltd, for an estimated value of £2,000,000 be approved.

To consider the report relating to the Award of Contract for the Procurement of Personal and Leadership Development Training Services (CFO/43/2526).

The Chief Fire Officer, Nick Searle explained that the report outlined the procurement exercise for personal and leadership development training and sought approval to award a four-year contract, with a one-year extension option, to Brathay Trust Limited at a total potential value of £432,000.

Members were advised that the Authority has used outdoor and residential activity-based development programmes for more than a decade, supporting self-awareness, resilience, confidence and leadership skills. These programmes form part of the Authority’s wider leadership development framework, and each new firefighter recruit cohort completes a three-day residential course as part of initial training.

The procurement was carried out through the Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation framework, which provided a transparent and compliant route to market. One bid was received—from Brathay Trust—and, following evaluation and presentations, the organisation was confirmed as suitable to deliver the required services.

The Chair, Councillor Les Byrom, reminded Members of the King’s Trust and heard first-hand how valuable the residential courses were for developing confidence, personality and interpersonal skills.

RESOLVED that;

a)    the contents of the report be noted; and

c)    the award of a contract for the supply of personal and leadership development training services to Brathay Trust Ltd for a duration of 4 years with an option to extend for 1 year and with a total value of up to £432,000 be approved.

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Date of next meeting Thursday, 11 June 2026