To consider the Service Delivery Plan 2024-25 End of Year Update (CFO/06/2526).

Chief Fire Officer, Nick Searle introduced the report, advising Members of the performance of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service against the objectives and target outcomes as set out in the Service Delivery Plan 2024/25 for the period of January to March 25.

The Chief Fire Officer drew Members attention to the CRMP 2024–27 updates, HMI action points, and progress detailed on pages 89–112 of the report.

Members noted that pages 114 highlighted the high volume of calls received by Fire Control, with 90% answered within the 10-second benchmark.

It was highlighted that page 118 noted responses to accidental dwelling fires involving seven fatalities. Members were reassured these were thoroughly investigated, with findings used to inform prevention targeting and response strategies going forward.

Members attention was drawn to page 124, with sickness levels noted that while low compared nationally, remained above the Authority’s internal 4% target. It was advised that SLT was reviewing sickness levels through a dedicated piece of work to improve monitoring and management practices.

In relation to sickness data, Councillor McManus requested clarification to better understand the breakdown of categories, if they combined all absences or if was possible to separate out those on long-term or injury-related leave from those off sick due to other reasons.

The Chief Fire Officer confirmed that sickness data was thoroughly broken down within the Health, Safety, and Welfare reports. It was highlighted that absence types were categorised and monitored in detail by the Health and Safety Department and the Occupational Health team. Members were assured that the information was scrutinised closely.

Councillor Bell observed an increase in incidents during the bonfire period as notable on page 115, She queried whether this increase was influencing how the Service was preparing for the upcoming bonfire period. Whilst acknowledging the excellent work already done in collaboration with Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs), local authorities, and Merseyside Police, she queried whether any changes or new approaches were being considered this year in response to the trends.

The Chief Fire Officer explained that planning for the bonfire period on behalf of the Service was led by the Prevention Department, as part of the multi-agency response Operation Banger and work closely alongside Merseyside Police.

Members were advised that planning for this year’s activity had already begun, recognising the level of preparation required. Members were advised that the approach was reviewed annually based on lessons learned from the previous year and that targeted discussions were already underway with local authorities and Merseyside Police to address these challenges and adapt the strategy accordingly for this year.

Councillor Bell expressed appreciation for the excellent work detailed in the Prevention Functional Plan Action Tracker, particularly on page 147, highlighting the efforts of the Street Intervention Teams and Anti-Social Behaviour. She noted the positive progress on actions, including training in substance misuse awareness and the provision of bleed control kits. Councillor Bell then asked whether the Service has considered carrying Naloxone, given the possibility of being first on scene to incidents involving drug overdoses.

The Chief Fire Officer advised that there is ongoing dialogue in respect of medical response and while it was his personal opinion that the more equipment made available to staff the better in respect of this specific matter he would need to take away for future considerations.

Councillor Byrom also acknowledged that the complexity of the issue including previous pilots undertaken for medical response however, he agreed it was well worth looking at.

Councillor Bell noted the importance of the Improvement and Ideas Hub as referenced on page 177, of the agenda and enquired when this application would to be launched within the Service.

The Director of Strategy and Performance, Deb Appleton was again invited to provide Members with an update. The Director of Strategy and Performance advised Members that the Improvement and Ideas Hub was part of a wider rollout of SharePoint-based systems across the Service and she advised she would report back to Members with a specific timeframe as to the launch of this specific application.

Councillor Bell suggested for future reports it would be helpful if those key deliverables within the Service Delivery Plan marked with a status identified as Red, are detailed within the report with any relevant assurances as to the context of the deliverable any significant risks and progression of work.

Councillor Bell also suggested including reference to the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) standards set by the Fire Standards Board within the report.

Councillor McManus referred to page 178 regarding the development of new kit and capabilities and queried the decision-making process when agreeing to extend the trial of the use of body worn cameras as opposed to the implementation of them within the Service.

The Chief Fire Officer explained that the trial of body-worn cameras was being extended to better understand how and where they could be most effectively used across the organisation. Members were advised that initial challenges included the hesitancy of staff to wear the devices, resulting in limited data. However, Members were reassured that with improved engagement and clearer guidelines on usage, the extension aimed to gather sufficient evidence to assess the value and cost-effectiveness of wider rollout before making a final decision.

RESOLVED that the attached Service Delivery Plan reports (Appendices A – K) for publication on the website be approved.