To consider a report relating to Merseyside Fire and Rescue Services, Service Delivery Plan 2024/25 July to September update (Report CFO/71/24).

Chief Fire Officer Phil Garrigan presented the Service Delivery Plan update report for quarter two 2024-25 July to September, to Members which included an overview of the Authority’s performance to date, including work completed post Grenfell and advancements based on HMICFRS recommendations.

Member's attention was drawn to the performance metrics presented on page 149, which highlighted various indicators relating to received calls and dwelling fires. Noting there was a significant reduction in fire incidents.

The Chief Fire Officer highlighted that the Authority was currently focused on the increasing number of false alarms, which remained a significant challenge to the Authority.

With regards to sickness absence (from operational functions), Members were advised of a slight increase above the 4% target that the Authority had previously set.

The Chief Fire Officer praised the Authority’s commitment to improvement, highlighting a steady decrease in accidental dwelling fires.

Four accidental fire fatalities were reported, with the Chief Fire Officer noting that the figures were not directly compared to those from the previous year.

Councillor Byrom discussed the importance of inspectorate assessments for measuring the Authority’s performance.

Councillor Byrom praised the recent visit to Fire Control, where Members observed demonstrations of new technologies, which included the Enhanced Mobilisation alert system proposal, which aimed at reducing call-out times and improving response times. The importance of the Authorities' technological advancements in enhancing public safety, was highlighted.

The Chief Fire Officer discussed Enhanced Mobilisation, explaining that improved communication in call handling could reduce response times by up to 30 seconds, it was noted that these changes would be reflected within MFRA’s CRMP. Members noted that the proposal had also been thoroughly consulted with the Fire Brigades Union (FBU).

Councillor Makinson enquired about the attendance standards, noting the impressive 96.4% response within 10 minutes, it was suggested that further scrutiny take place around those occasions where response times fell below that average.

Whilst assuring Members that the Performance Management Group regularly reviewed incidents, the Chief Fire Officer welcomed further scrutiny of response standards

The Chief Fire Officer discussed how specific aspects of each emergency call could influence the results of response. Members were assured that the Authority acts promptly to collect information from callers; however, it was noted that there could be occasional delays in identifying incidents.

Members were informed about the latest developments regarding the Authorities' proposed mobilisation strategy within the Water Rescue team: one crew was now responsible for assembling water kits, while another team would be deployed on-site, thereby enhancing response times.

The Chief Fire Officer encouraged a deeper examination of incidents that fell short of standards to identify elements such as geographical factors and call types, which would aid in analysis and improvement for the Authorities framework.

RESOLVED that Members;

a)           the attached Service Delivery Plan reports (Appendices A-J) for publication on the website be approved; and

b)         response standards be referred to the Scrutiny Committee.