Agenda and minutes

Venue: Temporary Meeting Room. View directions

Contact: Kelly Johnson, Democratic Services Manager  Email: democraticservices@merseyfire.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

1.

Preliminary Matters

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.

 

Minutes:

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)    The following declaration of interest was made by individual Members in relation to items of business on the Agenda:

 

·         Cllr Lesley Rennie declared a personal interest in relation to Agenda Item 4 – Integrated Risk Management Plan Supplement 2015/17, due to being a Trustee of the Fire Support Network.

 

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

 

c)    The following items of business required the exclusion of the press and public during consideration thereof due to the possible disclosure of exempt information:

 

·         Agenda Item 10 – Part 2 EXEMPT Minutes of the Previous Meeting held on 29th January 2015

 

·         Agenda Item 11 – Disposal of Derby Road

 

·         Agenda Item 12 – Facilities Maintenance Contract

 

2.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting pdf icon PDF 55 KB

The Minutes of the previous meeting of the Authority, held on 29th January 2015, are submitted for approval as a correct record and for signature by the Chair.

Minutes:

The Minutes of the previous meeting of the Authority, held on 29th January 2015, were approved as a correct record and signed accordingly by the Chair.

 

 

3.

Local Government Subscription 2015/16 pdf icon PDF 37 KB

To consider Report CFO/006/15 of the Deputy Chief Executive, concerning continuation of the Authority’s membership of the Local Government Association.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Members considered Report CFO/006/15 of the Deputy Chief Executive, concerning continuation of the Authority’s membership of the Local Government Association.

 

Members Resolved that:

 

a.    The Authority continue membership with the Local Government Association (LGA) for 2015/16.

 

b.    the freeze of the LGA subscription fee for a further year and the 2.5% loyalty discount to all Fire and Rescue Authorities not on notice, alongside the 2.5% prompt payment discount to Authorities who pay the annual subscription in full by 30th June 2014, be noted;

 

c.    The Authority take up the offer of the discounted subscription, for 2015/16, of £10,460 plus VAT, and the Democratic Services Manager be instructed to raise purchase order and make subscription payment in full, before 30th June 2015.

 

 

 

4.

INTEGRATED RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN SUPPLEMENT 2015/17 pdf icon PDF 63 KB

To consider Report CFO/007/15 of the Deputy Chief Fire Officer, concerning the outcomes of public consultation on the Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) Supplement 2015/17; and the publication of the final post-consultation version of the IRMP 2015/17 Supplement.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Members considered Report CFO/007/15 of the Deputy Chief Fire Officer, concerning the outcomes of the public consultation on the Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) Supplement 2015/17 and publication of the final (post consultation) version of the IRMP 2015/17 Supplement.

 

The Deputy Chief Fire Officer provided Members with an overview of the report, which detailed the content of the IRMP Supplement 2015/17 document and the consultation process undertaken.

 

Members commented on the quality of the document, which they felt was very clear and useful for public consumption.

 

Members requested that the document detail more explicitly, the work which is undertaken with the Authority’s partners and how they could work more closely with Health and Wellbeing Boards in the future.

 

Members Resolved that:

 

a.    The responses received to the consultation, be agreed as having been adequately considered and reflected within the Integrated Risk Management Plan 2015/17 Supplement, where appropriate.

 

b.    The document be amended slightly, to detail more explicitly work with partner agencies and how the Authority could work more closely with Health and Wellbeing Boards moving forward.

 

c.    With the amendments to the document as detailed above, the IRMP 2015/17 Supplement, be approved for publication.

 

d.    The document, which is a supplement to the IRMP 2013/16 and continues to reflect the challenging budget position, be noted. In order to set a balanced budget further savings of £6.3m will need to be made by 1st April 2016 (£2.9m from support staff, £3.4m from front line fire stations). 

 

These savings will be made by:

·         A reduction of approximately 90 Firefighter posts

·         Merging fire stations – 3 pairs of stations have been identified for potential merger

·         Closing fire stations – initially Allerton but potentially other sites in the future

·         Loss of 40+ support staff posts

 

e.    Their commitment to ensuring that the impact of the changes on the communities of Merseyside should be minimised and firefighter safety maximised, be re-affirmed and it be noted that there are areas of the IRMP that will have significant impact upon our staff.  In line with all staffing matters these will be the subject of additional staff consultation/negotiation.  Likewise fire station mergers and closures have been, and will continue to be, subject to extensive public consultation. 

 

f.     That the Chief Fire Officer be requested to report the outcomes of these consultations separately to the Authority, as appropriate. 

 

g.    Prior to any implementation (and in line with normal practice) the Chief Fire Officer be instructed to exercise his full delegated responsibility for completing those consultations/negotiations and managing the implementation of any changes.

 

h.    A further report be brought back to an appropriate Committee, concerning a review of how the new Automatic Fire Alarm (AFA) Policy is working.

 

i.      A report be brought to a future meeting of the Community Safety & Protection Committee, details the Authority’s current involvement with an representation on the Health and Wellbeing Boards across the Districts of Merseyside.

 

 

 

5.

Allerton Fire Station Consultation Outcomes pdf icon PDF 97 KB

To consider Report CFO/008/15 of the Chief Fire Officer, concerning the outcomes of the twelve week public consultation process regarding the draft proposal to close Allerton Fire Station.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Members considered Report CFO/008/15 of the Chief Fire Officer, concerning the outcomes of the twelve week public consultation process regarding the draft proposal to close Allerton fire station.

 

Members were provided with a detailed overview of the report and the consultation process.

 

Members were informed of the timescales for the consultation process, the different type of events held to engage with a range of stakeholders; and how the events were advertised.

 

The Chief Fire Officer also provided Members with a summary of the outcomes of the consultation and responses received in relation to the online survey.

 

Members Resolved that:

 

  1. The outcomes of the comprehensive and informative Allerton public consultation, be noted.

 

  1. Full and carefully considered account be taken of those outcomes when considering report CFO/010/15 relating to the proposals for fire cover in Liverpool.

 

6.

Operational Response Savings Options 2015/16 - Liverpool District pdf icon PDF 80 KB

To consider Report CFO/010/15 of the Chief Fire Officer, concerning operational response savings options for Liverpool, following the consultation process (which commenced on 1st November 2014 and concluded on 26th January 2015) over the proposal to close Allerton fire station and relocate the Allerton appliance to Old Swan to be crewed on a wholetime retained basis on a 30 minutes recall.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Members considered Report CFO/010/15 of the Chief Fire Officer, concerning operational response savings options for Liverpool following the consultation process (which commenced on 1st November 2014 and concluded on 26th January 2015) over the proposal to close Allerton fire station and relocate the Allerton appliance to Old Swan to be crewed on a wholetime retained basis on a 30 minute recall.

 

The Chief Fire Officer detailed the requirement for operational response savings to be made within the Liverpool District; and provided Members with a comprehensive overview of all the savings options considered, explaining why Allerton fire station was subsequently selected for closure and relocation of its appliance to Old Swan fire station, to be crewed on a wholetime retained basis.

 

The Chief Fire Officer re-iterated that all options open to the Authority would have a detrimental impact; and that the closure of Allerton fire station was considered to be the “least worst” option available in terms of the overall impact on operational response, in order to make the necessary savings. 

 

Members Resolved that:

 

  1. the outcomes of the public consultation process and the professional view of the Chief Fire Officer over the option to deliver least impact on overall operational response, be noted.

 

  1. the proposal to close Allerton fire station and relocate the Allerton appliance to Old Swan on a wholetime retained basis on a 30 minute recall, be approved.

 

 

7.

Interim Measures to be Taken Under Delegated Authority to Ensure Appliance Availability pdf icon PDF 61 KB

To consider Report CFO/013/15 of the Chief Fire Officer, concerning interim measures taken by the Chief Fire Officer under delegated authority to ensure appliance availability, prior to the structural changes required as a result of ongoing cuts to the Authority’s budget, are implemented.

Minutes:

Members considered Report CFO/013/15 of the Chief Fire Officer, concerning the interim measures taken by the Chief Fire Officer under delegated authority to ensure appliance availability prior to the structural changes required as a result of ongoing cuts to the Authority budget are implemented.

 

Members were informed that although the station merger options have been approved, there is still a lengthy process to be undertaken before any new stations can be built and become operational.

Therefore, to enable appliance availability to be maintained whilst these structural changes are being progressed, the Chief Fire Officer, in conjunction with the Representative Bodies, will seek to implement wholetime retained crewing of four appliances, which will subsequently allow for 24 hour crewing at eight stations.

 

Discussion took place around the appetite of staff to work the 24 hour shift system, which is clearly highlighted by the number of expressions of interest received to work the system. A further discussion took place over sickness absence levels assumed in the current staffing model.

 

Members Resolved that:

 

The measures being taken by the Chief Fire Officer under delegated authority to ensure appliance availability prior to the structural changes required as a result of ongoing cuts to the Authority budget are implemented, be noted.

 

 

8.

Financial Review 2014/15 - April to December pdf icon PDF 2 MB

To consider Report CFO/005/15 of the Deputy Chief Executive, concerning a review of the financial position, both revenue and capital, for the Authority for 2014/15, covering the period April to December 2014.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Members agreed to consider the following Agenda Items together:

 

·         Agenda Item 8 – Financial Review 2014/15 – April to December

·         Agenda Item 9 – Merseyside Fire & Rescue Authority Budget And Financial Plan 2015/2016 – 2019/2020

 

 

Members considered Report CFO/005/15 of the Deputy Chief Executive, concerning a review of the financial position, both revenue and capital, for the Authority for 2014/15, covering the period April to December 2014.

 

Members were provided with an overview of the report, which identified a favourable revenue position of £0.4m, which it is recommended be added to the Capital Investment Reserve to help avoid borrowing.

 

Members Resolved that:

 

  1. The potential £0.4m favourable revenue position identified within this report, be noted.

 

  1. The utilisation of the £0.4m favourable revenue position to increase the capital investment reserve in light of the future station merger programme and Service investment needs, be approved; and

 

  1. The Deputy Chief Executive be instructed to continue to work with budget managers to maximise savings in 2014/15.

 

 

 

 

9.

MERSEYSIDE FIRE AND RESCUE AUTHORITY BUDGET AND FINANCIAL PLAN 2015/2016 - 2019/2020 pdf icon PDF 5 MB

To consider Report CFO/014/15 of the Deputy Chief Executive, concerning the setting of a medium term financial plan – both capital and revenue – that allocates resources in line with the Authority’s strategic aims and ensures that the Authority delivers an efficient, value for money service. This will allow the Authority to determine a budget for 2015/16 and a precept level, in line with statutory requirements.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Members considered Report CFO/014/15 of the Deputy Chief Executive, concerning the setting of a medium term capital and revenue financial plan that allocates resources in line with the Authority’s strategic aims and ensures that the Authority delivers an efficient, value for money service. This will allow the Authority to determine a budget for 2015/16 and a precept level in line with statutory requirements.

 

Members were advised that a 2 year financial plan had been approved by the Authority in 2013/14; and it is recommended that the Authority commit to the delivery of that financial plan, which assumes a Council Tax increase of just below 2 percent for 2015/16.

 

The Chair of the Authority – Councillor Dave Hanratty confirmed that a proposed Budget Resolution, submitted by the Labour Group, had been circulated to all Members; and that no alternative budget proposals had been received by the Clerk to the Authority.

 

Councillor Hanratty then formally moved the Labour Group Budget Resolution.

 

This motion was seconded by Councillor Linda Maloney.

 

Speaking in support of the Labour Budget Resolution, The Chair of the Authority highlighted the level of cuts the Authority has received over the duration of the current parliament; and the reductions in employee numbers and changes to the service made as a result.

 

Discussion took place around the risks associated with continuing cuts and the impact on national resilience.

 

Members commented on the need to continue to work constructively with representative bodies, to help protect and shape the future of the Authority, to protect staff; and to maintain autonomy moving forward.

 

Members expressed their appreciation to Officers and all staff who in the face of continuous cuts and unprecedented change, continue to deliver a fantastic service on the Authority’s behalf.

 

Cllr Rennie expressed support for the resolution and re-affirmed her continued commitment to collective, all party lobbying against further cuts.

 

Members then voted on the motion.

 

17 Members voted in favour of the motion.

0 Members voted against the motion.

0 Members abstained.

 

The Budget Resolution for 2015/16 was therefore unanimously approved. 

 

 

Members Resolved that:

 

  1. The 2015/16 service budgets set out in the report, be noted.

 

  1. The Deputy Chief Executive’s recommendation on maintaining the current level of general fund balance, £2.000m, and maintaining the reserves as outlined in Paragraph 151 to 153 of this report, be endorsed.

 

  1. Their current plan to increase the precept by just below 2% for 2015/16, raising the Band D Council Tax from £70.07 to £71.47 and confirm the strategy for future precept rises (the plan assumes 2% in each year thereafter), be endorsed.

 

  1. The approved 2014/15 – 2015/16 £6.300m saving plan outlined in Appendix C, be re-affirmed.

 

  1. The assumptions in developing the 2015/16 – 2019/20 Financial Plan outlined in the report, be endorsed and the Medium Term Financial Plan in Appendix D and the 2015/16 budget estimate of £62.169m, be approved.

 

  1. The capital strategy and investment strategy as summarised in Appendix B, be approved.

 

  1. The Minimum Revenue Payment (MRP) strategy for 2015/16 as outlined in Paragraph 79  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

10.

Part 2 Minutes 29/01/2015 Authority

The Part 2 Minutes of the Previous Meeting, held on 29th January 2015, are submitted for approval as a correct record and for signature by the Chair.

Minutes:

The Part 2 EXEMPT Minutes of the previous meeting, held on 29th January 2015, were approved as a correct record and signed accordingly by the Chair.

 

 

11.

Disposal of Derby Road ( MACC Building)

This report contains EXEMPT information by virtue of Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

 

To consider Report CFO/009/15 of the Deputy Chief Executive, concerning the sale of the Derby Road site.

Minutes:

The following Minute contains EXEMPT information by virtue of Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

 

 

12.

Facilities Maintenance Contract

This report contains EXEMPT information by virtue of Paragraphs 1 and 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

 

To consider Report CFO/011/15 of the Deputy Chief Executive, concerning the market testing of an alternative Estates service model and results of the Facilities Management (FM) Tender.

Minutes:

The following Minute contains EXEMPT information, by virtue of Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.