To consider the CRMP 2024-27 Post-Consultation Report (CFO/45/24).

The Chief Fire Officer presented the report, explaining that the Authority was required to produce a CRMP to outlined how the Authority planned to resource areas of foreseeable and emergent risk.

It was highlighted that the CRMP being considered by Members continued to reinvest into the front line of the Service with an increase in the number of appliances as well as increasing the Service’s specialist capabilities. The CRMP sought to address areas of vulnerability and deprivation to ensure that resources were deployed effectively and also took into consideration factors like time of day and location.

It was explained that there had been significant consultation on the proposal and the sections in red identified the changes that had been made based on feedback. Members were reminded that the CRMP was part of a suite of documents including the Medium-Term Financial Plan and People Plan that laid out the Authority’s future plans.

The Chief Fire Officer provided a breakdown of the themes within the CRMP and noted there had been exceptional feedback from Merseyside’s community groups and that the final proposal was the result of collaboration between all key stakeholders.

The Chair thanked the officers involved as well as the representative bodies and the Members for their involvement in the final CRMP. He explained that since the last meeting, further work had been undertaken with union representatives to provide the version being considered today.

Councillor Kenny noted that the CRMP sought to increase the number of appliances from 32 to 34 and to continue to make improvements which would benefit the people of Merseyside. He noted that the Trade Unions were in support of the CRMP and thanked the public for taking part in the consultation. It was noted that there would be a review in 12 months which would allow for any necessary tweaks to be considered and he commended the improved response to life risk incidents outlined in the CRMP.

Councillor Hanratty recorded his thanks to all those involved and commented on the hard work of the officers noting that the report would reassure Members and staff that the Authority was moving in the right direction. He reminded Members that during austerity, funding for the Service had been cut significantly and asked that a meeting be held after the budget update on the 30^th October to consider any potential financial risks for the Authority. The need for a multiyear settlement was emphasised and the importance of reacting to emerging legislation was also noted in terms of the future of the Service. Members were reassured that the Authority was lobbying for an extended settlement and would continue to invest in the front line for the benefit of Merseyside.

A representative from the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) was invited to comment on the CRMP and he explained that as previously reported, there had been extensive collaboration with the Union and as such the FBU were in support of the proposed CRMP. It was reported that there had been significant positive engagement on this piece of work and the Unions praised the positive dialogue that had taken place.

 With regards to flooding, Members were advised that the Unions were lobbying central Government for funding to ensure that Fire and Rescue Services had the resources they needed.

RESOLVED that:

a)         the actions within this CRMP have been subject to extensive public consultation (the outcomes of this consultation have been attached as appendices to this report) be noted;

b)         whether the responses to consultation have been adequately considered by Officers and are reflected within the CRMP 2024-2027 (Appendix 1), where appropriate be considered;

c)          the CRMP for 2024-27 and its implementation be approved – which will result in:

i)    further increases in fire engine availability (32-24) building on the 2021-24 Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP)

ii)   quicker response times

iii)an improved response to life risk incidents

iv)quicker mobilisation

v)  improvements in the way we mobilise our specialist capabilities removing any delay in our response

vi)more targeted Prevention and Protection activities; and

d)         the CRMP 2024-27 be approved for publication on the website on 17^th October.