To consider the Service Delivery Plan 2023-24 End of Year Report (CFO/44/24).

Chief Fire Officer, Phil Garrigan presented the Service Delivery Plan end of year report for 2023-24, detailing the Authority’s performance to date against its targets and objectives.

The Chief Fire Officer drew Member’s attention to page 89 of the agenda, which emphasised the exceptional performance of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority (MFRA) to date. The Chief Fire Officer noted a significant decrease in incidents attended, showcasing the best performance in his 34 years at the Authority.  It was noted that this success was attributed to the Authority’s excellent Protection, Prevention, and Response work.

It was noted that the total number of emergency calls received had decreased by 19%, totalling 4745 fewer calls when compared to the previous year. The total number of incidents attended by the service had decreased from 19, 214 to 17, 345, which was a 7.5% reduction in incidents since 2022/23.

The Members directed their focus to page 92, which detailed the total number of fire incidents responded to in Merseyside. It was observed that there were 5,360 incidents attended, which wasbelow the target of 7,169. It was emphasised that this reduction was predicated on MFRA’s Arson Prevention, Protection, Community Safety and Youth Engagement efforts.

Members were advised that the number of primary fires attended by the Authority was also below the target of 1983, currently recorded as 1653, indicating a decrease of 208 incidents compared to the year 2022/23.

The Chief Fire Officer noted that accidental dwelling fires had also reduced by 8,000, with only one fatality during this period. The current number was 669 showing a significant decrease. The importance of preventative measures were emphasised in terms of reducing accidental dwelling fires, and the Authority was focusing on vulnerability factors and communities that were socially and economically disadvantaged.

Members were advised of the Authority’s exceptional prevention efforts as demonstrated by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire Rescue Services (HMICFRS) “Outstanding” grade. With regards to prevention, it was explained that a targeted approach to home safety had been applied to communities and youth engagement work.

The Chief Fire Officer explained the comparable decreases in deliberate fires and fires within vacant properties, both noting showing green with no reported fatalities.

Members were directed to page 96, which detailed the number of secondary fires attended by MFRS due to anti-social behaviour. It was noted that there had been 1545 fewer incidents compared to previous records, resulting in a 29.4% decrease.

The Chief Fire Officer credited the Community Safety and Arson Reduction teams, along with partner agencies, for the decrease in incidents. It was noted that the Authority aimed to work with communities and schools to reduce anti-social behaviour during the bonfire period.

The Chief Fire Officer explained that the Authority’s proactive approach to unwanted fire signals and false fire alarm calls. 

Members were advised of the importance of promptly calling 999 upon hearing fire alarms, to ensure that crews were alerted to potential incidents, and the Service did not want to deter people from calling if they thought there was danger.

It was noted that the response time for appliances arriving at life-threatening incidents was 10 minutes, to be met 90% of the time. Currently, for 95.9% of incidents MFRS met this response target.

Members were directed to page 100, which outlined sickness absences and shift loss across the service, noting a target set for staff absence of 4%.  Sickness was currently above that target at 4.34% across the service but the Chief Fire Officer advised Members of the ongoing efforts to proactively reduce sickness absence. It was highlighted that some staff members were experiencing longer wait times in the NHS and that this was impacting on the Authority’s sickness absence performance. Although NHS wait times were out of the Authority’s control, it was noted that internally the Authority's Occupational Health department and wellbeing support was exceptional for staff.

Councillor Kenny welcomed the report, and he extended his thanks to staff for their professionalism in protecting the public of Merseyside.

Councillor Lamb also commended the Authority's on its performance, and he highlighted page 98 of the agenda which displayed a decrease in Road Traffic Collisions (RTCs). Attention was drawn to the number of fatalities, noting that there had been eight during this period. Councillor Lamb queried why there was no target set for reducing this incident type.

The Chief Fire Officer explained that the report included a shared indicator as different organisations worked collaboratively to reduce the number of RTCs and as such had different areas of focus. He emphasised that the Authority’s' focus remained on education through utilising the MFRA “Stay Wise” campaign. A commitment to educating young and new drivers was discussed, noting the importance of early intervention, and it was emphasised that road safety was a crucial element of MFRA's IRMP.

Councillor Hanratty echoed Councillor Kenny and Lambs' comments, praising the Chief Fire Officer’s efforts to reduced incidents and the dedication of all staff involved.

Councillor Hanratty raised concerns over the cost of responding to false alarms, and it was noted that some alarms were not directly alerting alarm receiving centres and instead were alerting the service to respond. He asked for more information to be considered by the Scrutiny Committee to identify if there was a way to reduce the number of calls. The Chief Fire Officer emphasised the Authority’s ambition to continually improve, and as such it was agreed that unwanted fire signals would be considered by Members at a future Learning Lunch or alternatively by the Scrutiny Committee.

Councillor Rennie queried the Authority’s involvement in collaborating with other local authorities around cycle lanes, 20mph zones and other speed reduction initiatives. The Chief Fire Officer emphasised that the Service would be supportive of any speed reduction initiatives as part of its focus on education and engagement with the community.

Councillor Rennie raised concerns from residents around appliance access in recently enforced 20mph zones and cycle lanes across the Wirral. The new measures were reportedly preventing fire appliances from accessing certain premises. Councillor Rennie requested for the Members to be informed of any restricted access complaints that the Authority receives.

The Chief Fire Officer noted that during busy times and hot weather, an influx of visitors to West Kirby or Formby, could pose a challenge for access for fire appliances. However, it noted that MFRA was working with local authorities to address these concerns and Members would continue to be updated.

Members were directed to page 103, which contained the draft HMCIFRS report for 2023 which focused on MFRS’s action plan and highlighted areas for improvement, which would be incorporated into the next functional plan.

RESOLVED that the attached Service Delivery Plan update reports (Appendices 1-10) for publication on the website be approved.