At the start of the meeting, the Committee were informed of the need to nominate a Member to act as Chair, due to the Chair of the Committee submitting apologies for absence.

Cllr Maloney nominated Cllr Byrom to act as Chair, which was seconded by the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Sue Murphy.

It was therefore agreed that Cllr Byrom preside over the meeting.

Cllr Byrom informed the Committee that the Chair of the Authority – Cllr Dave Hanratty, was unable to attend this meeting as he had been requested to give evidence to the Policing and Crime Bill Committee at the Houses of Parliament.

Information regarding general housekeeping and confirmation of the recording of proceedings was provided by the Chair to all in attendance. 

The Chair then declared the meeting open.

Members are 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.

Members of the Committee considered the identification of declarations of interest; any urgent items; and any business that may have required the exclusion of the press and public:

Resolved that:

a)    No declarations of interest by individual Members in relation to any item of business on the Agenda were made; and,

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

c)    No items of business, which may have required the exclusion of the Press and Public during consideration because of the possibility of the disclosure of exempt information, were identified.

The minutes of the previous meeting of the Police and Fire Collaboration Committee, held on 19^th October 2015, are submitted for approval as a correct record and for signature by the Chair.

The minutes of the previous meeting of the Police and Fire Collaboration Committee, held on 19^th October 2015, were approved as a correct record and signed accordingly by the Chair.

To consider Report CFO/019/16 of the Chief Fire Officer and Chief Constable, concerning an update on the current situation following the publishing of the Police & Crime Bill and Government’s response to the consultation on “Enabling closer working between the Emergency Services in England”.

Members considered report CFO/019/16 of the Chief Fire Officer concerning an update on the  Government’s response to the consultation on “Enabling closer working between the Emergency Services in England”

Officers provided Members with a review of the Governments manifesto to enable closer working between the emergency services and developments to date with regards to the Policing and Crime Bill; and the recent transfer of governance for fire and rescue services to the Home Office. 

The Committee were also informed of the potential transfer of responsibility for the Fire & Rescue Authority and the Police & Crime Commissioner to a City Region Mayor; and some complications this may cause in Merseyside with regards to boundary issues.

Discussion took place regarding recommendation 2c:

 “Agree that following the meeting the Office of the Police and Crime Commissionaire (OPCC) and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority (MFRA), formally state their preferred governance model and provide direction for officers on how to proceed based on this preference”.

It was commented that due to the impending elections, this was not the right time to be making commitments regarding governance models. It was also suggested that the Chief of Staff for the OPCC form part of the Joint Chief Officer Group and the Fire & Police Corporate Services Collaboration Board.

Clarification was provided regarding the recommendation and it was confirmed that the Committee are not being asked to discuss or approve governance models at this meeting.

The PCC informed the Committee of work being undertaken by an independent consultant on the cost benefits of closer working between the Police Force and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC); and it was suggested that the consultant be asked to assist with undertaking a cost benefit analysis for all options of collaborative activity between MFRA and Merseyside Police, including potential governance options.

Members resolved that:

a)    The Police and Crime Bill and the Government’s response to the national consultation on “Enabling closer working between the Emergency Services” be noted.

b)    The potential impact of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority on planning for collaborative activity and governance be noted.

c)    The Chief of Staff for the OPCC – Dr Joanne Liddy, be included on the Joint Chief Officer Group and the Fire & Police Corporate Services Collaboration Board.

d)    Consideration be given to utilising independent consultants to assist with undertaking a full cost benefit analysis for all collaboration options, including potential governance models.

To consider Report CFO/020/16 of the Chief Fire Officer and Chief Constable, concerning progress to date with the Emergency Services Collaboration Programme.

The Committee agreed to consider Agenda Items 4 and 5 together; and to accept a presentation covering the substantial issues.

The presentation provided the Committee with some background information and rationale for increased collaborative working between MFRA and Merseyside Police, including the financial context, political issues; and ability to support each other’s needs and demands.

Members were informed of the agreed work streams considered for collaborative activity, which are as follows:

·         Operational Preparedness

·         Community Risk Management

·         Operational Response

·         Shared Estates and Co-location

·         Corporate Services (Merseyside Police and MFRS only).

The presentation highlighted the research undertaken to date; and the high level opportunities for collaborative working between MFRS, Merseyside Police and where applicable, North West Ambulance Service, identified as a result.

For each option identified, the overview highlighted the current similarities and differences between each organisation; and the benefits and potential risks of collaborating.

Discussion took place around the engagement of staff and Representative Bodies to date; and the differing levels of vetting required for MFRA and Police personnel.

Members expressed their thanks for the  presentation.

Members then considered Report CFO/020/16 of the Chief Fire Officer and Chief Constable, concerning progress to date with the Emergency Services Collaboration Programme.

Members resolved that:

The Programme Board decision to move to the development of interim/outline business cases in all areas of Service Delivery where opportunities for collaborative working are identified, be approved.

To consider Report CFO/021/16 of the Chief Fire Officer and Chief Constable, concerning progress to date with the Emergency Services Collaboration Programme – review of Corporate Services.

This Item was considered in conjunction with Agenda Item 4 as part of the presentation delivered.

Members considered report CFO/021/16 of the Chief Fire Officer concerning progress made to date with regard to the Emergency Services Collaboration Programme review of Corporate Services.

Members resolved that:

a)    The Programme Board decision to move to the development of an interim/outline business case in all areas of Corporate Services where opportunities for collaborative working have been identified be approved.

b)    Dependent upon advice from the Police Force solicitor, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and staff are to be considered as being “in scope” when developing a business case for collaborative working.