To consider apologies for absence.

To consider declarations of interest for any of the items on the agenda.

As part of the New Dimensions 2 programme for National Resilience, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service were asked by MHCLG as Lead Authority for National Resilience to explore the acquisition of assets to assist in the response to wildfires as part of a 12-month pilot. Officers were advised that the assets would need to be procured in anticipation of the wildfire period which provisional commences in May each year.

Part of the assets to be procured were 6 unimog vehicles on a lease basis for a period of 12 months. Officers identified the Service could deliver this via a lease contract in time for the upcoming wildfire period.

Officers were provided with a quote for the 6 leased vehicles at £309,890.16 for 12 months with Lloyd Limited.

As the value of the contract was in excess of £300,000 Members approval would be needed. Therefore, Officers were planning to bring a report to Members at the next available committee meeting to seek approval to award the lease contract to Lloyd Limited as a direct award under a legally compliant framework.

However, Officers were advised on Monday 16^th February 2026 that to meet the required deadline to obtain the vehicles in time for the wildfire period, the lease contract would need to be signed by close of play on Thursday 19^th February 2026.

Due to the urgency of the matter, the award of the lease contract to Lloyd Limited for £309,890.16 was treated as urgent business under Standing Order 17 of the Authority’s Constitution. As the time scales did not allow for the decision to be brought before a Committee, the Chief Fire Officer and the Chair of the Authority agreed to exercise their powers to discharge the decision-making function of the Authority in accordance with their powers under Standing Order 17.2 to approve the award of the lease contract to Lloyd Limited on behalf of the Authority.

The Chair asked for this matter to be brought to Members attention at the next meeting of a Committee.

To consider the minutes of the last meeting held on 20^th January 2026.

To consider the Financial Review 2025/26 Quarter 3 October – December report (DFP/17/2526).

To consider the Service Delivery Plan 2025-26 Quarter 3 October – December Update (CFO/45/2526).

To consider the Service Delivery Plan 2026/27 report (CFO/44/2526).

To consider the New Dimensions 2 – HVP Hose report (CFO/48/2526).

To consider the Award of the Scientific Support Services Contract report (CFO/46/2526).

To consider the ND2 Procurement: Award of Contract for CBRN DIM Equipment report (CFO/47/2526).

This minute contains exempt information by virtue of paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972