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 not be filmed and the meeting was declared 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 considered the identification of declarations of interest, any urgent additional items, and any business that may require the exclusion of the press and public.

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 to be considered as matters of urgency were determined by the Chair; and

c)  no items of business required the exclusion of the press and public during consideration thereof, due to no disclosure of exempt information:

The Minutes of the previous meeting of the Scrutiny Committee, held on 12^th September 2019, are submitted for approval as a correct record and for signature by the Chair.

The Minutes of the previous meeting of the Scrutiny Committee held on 12^th September 2019, were approved as a correct record and signed accordingly by the Chair. 

The minutes of the Community Risk Management Scrutiny Rapid Review, held on 15^th November 2019, are submitted for approval as a correct record and for signature by the Chair.

The Minutes of the previous meeting of the Community Risk Management Scrutiny Rapid Review held on 15^th November 2019, were approved as a correct record and signed accordingly by the Chair. 

To consider report CFO/006/20 of the Assistant Chief Fire Officer concerning current National and Local fires in Waste Sites and the actions being taken by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority to reduce such incidents and deal with them effectively.

A presentation will be provided in support of this report.

Members considered report number CFO/006/20 of the Assistant Chief Fire Officer, concerning current National and Local fires in Waste Sites and the actions being taken by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority to reduce such incidents and deal with them effectively.

Group Manager Chris Head provided Members with a presentation on Incidents in Waste Transfer Sites.  The presentation provided a review of the waste transfer sites, which have experienced fires: and explained the approach that has been taken with partners and businesses to reduce incidents, demands and impacts on communities. 

Members were informed that there has been a change in language and a push towards recycling, rather than “waste”, particularly as the scope for recycling is increasing all the time. They were also informed that this can also bring with it some challenges, particularly around the recycling of technology equipment and electronics, however it is something that MFRA are very much aware of and have relevant plans in place.

Members were advised that we also have a responsibility to work with partners, such as the environment agency, as it was noted that the sites that the environmental agency have issues with, will be the same sites that MFRA will have issues with.

With regards to the national picture, Members were informed that the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) figures and trends, have remained consistent. They were advised that the estimated impact of large scale protracted incidents, are estimated to be around £16m per year, which has a significant impact on the Authority. Members were also informed that what we have experienced in Merseyside, is consistent with what is experienced within other authorities.

The presentation provided Members with some images from the sites of recent incidents. They were advised that the demands of many of those incidents, are able to be met with current resources. However, we have also seen a number of larger, protracted incidents, which are a huge drain on resources; and therefore far more problematic. 

Members were also provided with further details regarding some of the incidents MFRA have attended recently, to highlight some of the complexities and issues that can occur when fighting fires in such premises.

The presentation went on to highlight to Members some of the legislative requirements. They were informed that such sites are required to have an Environmental Permit, as well as having emergency plans in place; and a Fire Prevention Plan. Members were informed that the Environment Agency are responsible for enforcing those, however there is a cross-over of legislation, as MFRA are responsible for enforcing the Fire Safety Order. They were advised that where fire safety breaches are identified, preventative action can be taken. Therefore both pieces of legislation can be used, with both agencies working closely together.

Members were informed that unfortunately, the same controls and measures will not be in place where there are unlicensed premises. An example of such a premise, was provided to Members, with the risks to MFRA and the local community highlighted.

Members were advised that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To consider report CFO/005/20 of the Assistant Chief Fire Officer concerning, MFRA’s partnership working with regards to vulnerable individuals with mental ill health.  

A presentation will be provided in support of this report.

Members considered Report CFO/005/20 of the Assistant Chief Fire Officer, concerning MFRA’s partnership working with regards to vulnerable individuals with mental ill health.

Members were provided with a presentation in support of this report, by Area Manager Gary Oakford.

Members were informed that from a governance perspective, MFRS is an active and engaged stakeholder on Safeguarding Adults and Children’s Boards; with the Strategic Safeguarding Manager attending a range of Boards across Merseyside, as a key partner.

With regards to hoarding, Members were informed that following the tragic incident in Mather Avenue, a new Multi-Agency Hoarding Protocol, has been introduced. They were informed that there is now a very active process in place for whenever hoarding issues are identified, which enables safeguarding referrals to be made.

The presentation highlighted to Members that hoarding can cost anywhere between £1000 and £60,000. Members raised a question around what this means. They were advised that wherever hoarding is identified, the figures represent the cost of potential remedial work, which can vary anywhere between clearing out hoarding material, to demolition costs.

Members were provided with an overview of what hoarding within a property may look like. They were informed of an incident that had occurred the previous evening, which was quite an extreme example of hoarding. In this case, the occupier was able to reach their mobile phone and call for help, which enabled MFRS to respond, remove the individual from the property; and put the relevant referrals in place.

Members were informed that hoarding can be very organised clutter, or it can be chaotic.

Members were advised that wherever hoarding is identified, a referral will be made that comes into a central team. A range of triage questions will be asked to ascertain relevant information and appropriate action. They were also informed that there is always a Safeguarding Officer on duty, to which referrals can be made outside of normal working hours.

It was highlighted to Members that last year, 264 Safeguarding referrals were made, which shows that crews are now much more aware of safeguarding and the referral process. Of those 264 referrals, Members were advised that 164 were referred onto other agencies for action.

Members were informed that in terms of possible outcomes for individuals identified as experiencing mental ill health, there are broadly 3 levels. The first is relatively low level, with individuals perhaps living in social isolation, experiencing a recent bereavement, or suffering from lower level anxiety or depression. For such individuals, they may be referred to local services or community groups, provided with relevant information, or advised to contact their GP.

The next level is more severe, with individuals demonstrating severe hoarding, self-neglect, or undiagnosed or uncontrolled mental health problems. Members were informed that for such individuals, the internal safeguarding protocol would be implemented, with referrals made to other agencies where appropriate.

The final level is where the situation is deemed to be critical, with the individual threatening suicide, at which stage other emergency services/ agencies will be contacted  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

To review the current Forward Work Plan for the Scrutiny Committee; and to consider the inclusion of any additional items for scrutiny, and the priority of any additional items.

Members considered and reviewed the current Forward Work Plan for the Scrutiny Committee; and considered the inclusion of any additional items for scrutiny.

Members suggested that an additional item be added to the Forward Work Plan, around the revised Home Safety Strategy and any impact on hoarding.

Members were informed that a report around the revised Strategy, will be brought to Members; and it was highlighted that the new Strategy will also look at deprivation. They were informed that the intention will be to trial targeted campaigns within the top 10% of most deprived wards, to test current thinking; and to see what the outcomes of those trials are.

It was therefore suggested that following those trials, Members undertake a review to scrutinise their impact, which will incorporate information regarding the fitting of smoke alarms in those areas.

Members Resolved that:

An additional item be added to the Forward Work Plan, regarding a review of the revised Home Safety Strategy, and the impact of targeted campaigns within the most deprived wards. This review will also provide a breakdown of information concerning the provision of smoke alarms, within those deprived areas.