To consider report CFO/037/23 which details the performance of the Service against the objectives and the performance targets/outcomes as set out in the Service Delivery Plan 2023/24 for the period April to June 2023.

Chief Fire Officer, Phil Garrigan presented the Service Delivery Plan for 2023/24 with an update covering the period of April to June 2023.

Member’s were advised that the service had adopted a new process for monitoring performance (blue, red, amber, green) and this was visible in the report.

It was acknowledged that the number of incidents attended over this period had reduced, with 144 fewer fires than in 2022. This was attributed to the proactive preventative work that was being undertaken and the Service’s high visibility and engagement within the community.

The number of fires in primary dwellings had also reduced by 71 compared to 2022/23 and it was believed this was a result of work undertaken by prevention, response and protection in regards to engagement.

It was noted that there had been a slight increase in deliberate fires in unoccupied properties (up 1 from the previous year) but that performance in relation to accidental fires has been good, with a year on year reduction.

The report outlined each departments functional plan and Members were advised that the delivery of the Training and Development Academy was on schedule and that there would be an opportunity for a walk around of the site.

The Chief acknowledged the recent Fire Cadet Games noting that it was a brilliant event attended by 18 Fire and Rescue Services at the Albert Dock, Liverpool. The Authority placed on record its thanks to the staff who did an exceptional job in delivering that event. In terms of events, Members were advised that Merseyside had hosted both the Eurovision Song Contest and the Golf Open in the last six months and both of these events had been hugely successful.

The Chair thanked the Chief for a comprehensive and positive report which covered a wide range of areas. He also commended the Service on the Fire Cadet Games which he had attended, noting that it had been an engaging and positive event for young people.

Councillor Thompson questioned the number of deliberate fires in unoccupied areas and asked if there was any extra pressure that the Authority could exert on the owners of these derelict buildings to ensure they were adequately secured. The Chief advised that the arson team were tackling anti-social behaviour and working with other agencies on how to board up and secure these buildings where there are repeat issues.

Councillor Maloney noted that there had been a fatality at Car Mill Damn in St Helens and wanted to thank the Service for its response that day. Furthermore, she raised concerns over wild swimming and whether the dangers were being communicated to young people. The Chief noted that he had attended that incident and had seen first-hand the impact that loss had on the community. The Authority had officers who focused on water safety and there was a multiagency response to raise awareness and educe people on the dangers of wild swimming. Members were advised that the Marine Rescue Unit were active on the River Mersey. The Chief passed on his deepest condolences to the family involved and thanked the crews who responded so effectively and with absolute compassion.

With regards to the Authority’s youth education programme, Councillor Grace noted that the last Princes Trust Pass Out at Bootle had gone from strength to strength and the development of the young people involved has been inspirational. Members queried if there was still sufficient funding to continue running the project and the Chief acknowledged that supporting young people was important to the Authority. When asked how to tackle serious organised crime, Andy Cooke had responded ‘tackle inequality and create opportunity’ and the Authority agreed with that mantra, focusing on areas of heightened deprivation to create opportunities for young people. It was explained that funding for projects like Beacon and the Princes Trust were available as part of the Authority’s Serious Violence Duty and the Authority would continue to make this work a priority.

Members noted that the Authority’s relationship with the Police was very visible and the Chief explained that this relationship enabled the emergency services to deliver collaborative work that could really help people in Merseyside.

Councillor Les Byrom commented on the work being undertaken to promote the Fire Service Act which incorporated some of the concerns raised by Members. The Committee heard that the Police were changing how they respond to mental health incidents and this could impact on Fire and Rescue Services.

With regards to road traffic collisions, Councillor Lamb advised that he had been working with the Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, on the region’s Vision to Zero, Road Safety Strategy for 2040. He asked how the Authority worked with the Police and if there were any areas of concern for the Service. The CFO advised that the Authority worked with its partners to reduce road traffic collisions and it specifically focused on educating drivers on the dangers of driving carelessly.

Councillor Knight noted the number of suicide and suicide attempts related to mental health and asked what the Authority did to try to combat this. It was explained that the Authority was a Member of the Suicide Partnership to tackle mental health issues for young people and the Authority’s youth engagement work added to this. Support was provided to the Authority’s own staff to ensure that their wellbeing was safeguarded.

RESOLVED that the attached Service Delivery Plan reports (Appendices 1-9) for publication on the websitewas approved.