Prior to the start of the meeting, information regarding general housekeeping was provided by the Chair to all in attendance.

The Chair confirmed to all present that the proceedings of the meeting would be filmed and requested that any members of the public present who objected to being filmed, make themselves known.

No members of the public voiced any objection therefore the meeting was declared open and recording commenced.

The Authority is requested to consider the identification of:

a)  declarations of interest by individual Members in relation to any item of business on the Agenda

b)  any additional items of business which the Chair has determined should be considered as matters of urgency; and

c)  items of business which may require the exclusion of the press and public during consideration thereof because of the possibility of the disclosure of exempt information.

The Authority considered the identification of any declarations of interest, matters of urgency or items that would require the exclusion of the press and public due to the disclosure of exempt information.

Resolved that:

a)  no declarations of interest were made by individual Members in relation to any item of business on the Agenda

b)  no additional items of business were determined by the Chair to be considered as matters of urgency; and

c)  no items of business required the exclusion of the press and public during consideration thereof because of the possibility of the disclosure of exempt information.

To consider a verbal presentation on the implications to Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority of the emergency budget announcement made by the Government on 8^th July 2015.

Members were provided with a verbal update from the Deputy Chief Executive, concerning the Emergency Budget Announcement by the Chancellor on 8^th July 2015; and the potential implications for Merseyside Fire & Rescue Authority.

The update highlighted that post 2015/16, the Authority are likely to be required to make further savings of between £7million and £14million, although the exact figures will not be known until the Grant Settlement is announced in the Autumn.

Officers were thanked for the update and for their input into the Strategy event held prior to the meeting.

To consider report CFO/070/15 of the Chief Fire Officer concerning ongoing and potential future collaboration with Merseyside Police and Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).

Members considered Report CFO/070/15 of the Chief Fire Officer, concerning ongoing and potential future collaboration with Merseyside Police and Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).

Members were provided with an overview of the report, which outlined the rationale for the creation of a joint committee, comprising of the Chair of the Authority and the two Vice-Chairs, with the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner co-opted onto the Committee, which will consider opportunities for further joint working and potential savings.

Discussion took place around payment of a co-optees allowance to the PCC and Deputy PCC. All Members considered that a co-optee allowance payment would not be appropriate.

Questions were also raised regarding Member involvement in this Committee and whether the Committee would have any delegated powers.

It was confirmed that the proposed Committee would be a non-decision making Committee, that would make recommendations to the full Authority.

Members Resolved that:

a)    The establishment of a Joint Fire and Rescue and Police Committee, consisting of the Chair and Vice-Chairs with the PCC and Deputy PCC as co-opted members, be approved.

b)    The Chief Fire Officer (CFO) and Chief Constable, be instructed to establish a small Project Team to consider current and potential future collaboration and to adopt agreed Terms of Reference.

c)    No Co-optee Allowance be made to the PCC or Deputy PCC for their appointment to this Committee.

Prior to the close of business, the Chair of the Authority reminded Members of the forthcoming Liverpool Pride Event and encouraged all present to attend.