To consider the report relating to the Update on Grenfell Recommendations (CFO/64/24).

Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Nick Searle introduced the report which provided an update on Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendations.

Group Manager Dave Watson delivered a presentation detailing the advancements made by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) in relation to the Phase 1 recommendations, from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry (released in October 2019) comprising of 46 recommendations.

In response, it was highlighted that the Authority had formed a Grenfell Tower Inquiry (GTI) Project Working Group, which led to the establishment of additional initiatives, including the High-Rise Tactics Subgroup.

Dave Watson provided a summary of the 46 recommendations from Phase 1, informing Members that 98% of the recommendations had been implemented across the service.

It was noted that recommendation GR28 was not applicable to Fire and Rescue Services but that it was linked to recommendation GR29 which was relevant, as it pertained to evacuation of high-rise premises.

Dave Watson emphasised that each recommendation's sign off enhanced the Authority’s procedures and increased knowledge of high-rise buildings for Operational Crews and Fire Control staff.

Dave Watson drew attention to the changes within the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) 1.10 Fires in Buildings and SOP 1.1.3 High Rise guidance documents.

Councillor Sam Gorst left the meeting at 14:10.

Members were provided with an overview of the training and exercises conducted by the Service in response to the Phase 1 recommendations.

Councillor Sam Gorst re-entered the meeting at 14:12.

In relation to advancements in equipment, Dave Watson provided a summary of specific equipment that had been implemented across the Service as part of the recommendations.

Dave Watson highlighted the final steps undertaken by the Authority to assist in reaching full compliance with the GTI Phase 1 recommendations, which included the MAIT (Multi Agency Incident Transfer) system and the introduction of Stairwell Protection Teams (SPT). It was noted that these steps were part of control measure tactics.

Attention was directed to the GTI Phase 2 report, which was issued on 4^th September 2024. It was observed that an additional 58 recommendations were included in this publication.  With regards to the Authority’s strategy for the Phase 2 recommendations, it was observed that a gap analysis had been conducted, highlighting aspects pertinent to the Service.

The Chair praised Dave Watson for his clear and well-structured presentation, commenting on how easy it was to follow and understand.

Councillor Hanratty raised concerns around high-rise buildings in Merseyside, managed by social landlords. He queried the actions taken by the Authority to ensure these properties adhered to fire safety regulations. Additionally, he requested information on whether new tenancy agreements included provisions relating to fire safety, which would help to establish consistent practices among social landlords and enhance the safety of the residents. Dave Watson informed Members that all high-rise buildings had been audited and inspected by the Service’s Protection and Prevention teams as part of the Government-mandated Phase 1 Building Risk Review (BRR). It was noted that a system had been implemented to alert the Authority for any necessary revisits, assigning risk ratings based on findings.

Members were informed that Home Fire Safety Checks (HFSC) had been performed in every flat within all high-rise buildings and, where possible, a Home Fire Safety Evaluation (HFSE) had also been undertaken. Members noted that the Authority consistently maintained relationships with landlords to raise awareness of their responsibility to their tenants.

Councillor Hanratty discussed the “Stay Put Policy” and how it was communicated to residents. Dave Watson noted that although the policy was effective, the Grenfell incident highlighted a significant failure in building safety. He noted that the approach to the “Stay Put Policy” had to be paired with regular building maintenance and inspections.

Councillor Makinson also questioned if any briefings around the “Stay Put Policy” had been distributed to ward councillors representing areas with high-rise buildings. Dave Watson noted that any pre-inspection data obtained by the Authority would include an overall count of occupants within high-rise buildings. Furthermore, it was observed that while the Authority’s systems maintained precise residential information, this data would not reflect the real-time number of individuals entering and exiting the premises.

With regards to the research undertaken, Councillor Makinson asked if high-rise buildings could be equipped with a system to monitor the number of occupants, as this would aid operational crews at incidents.

Councillor Makinson also inquired as to whether there was a possibility for AI counters to be required at planning permission stage. Dave Watson advised that the Authority’s involvement in the design phase was confined to its powers under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO). However, Members were assured that the Fire Engineering team were consistently informed of new construction projects within Merseyside. It was highlighted that the Authority could not enforce AI counters to be used within high-rise buildings. Councillor Makinson proposed that Members considered the use of AI counters as a means of lobbying to the government in the future.

Dave Watson advised that he would verify if any information had been shared with Members already with high-rise buildings in their wards and for further information to be shared if required.

RESOLVED that;

a)    the summary points contained in this report be noted; and

b)    the substance of the associated presentation to this report be noted.