To consider the Service Delivery Plan 2025-26 April to June Update report (CFO/09/2526).

Chief Fire Officer, Nick Searle presented the Service Delivery Plan 2025-26 April to June update to Members and provided an overview of the Authority’s performance.

Members’ attention was drawn to accidental dwelling fires, with the Chief Fire Officer highlighting a recent increase, influenced by periods of warm, dry weather, which had resulted in more outdoor living activities, including cooking, drinking and smoking in gardens. Members noted that the majority of these fires had originated outside of properties, for example, from barbecues or garden fires, and had spread to homes. It was emphasised that, despite the increase, this year represented the fourth lowest number of accidental dwelling fires in the past eight years. Members acknowledged that the Authority would use this information to target areas of high risk in the future.

With regards to secondary fire incidents, the Chief Fire Officer noted a further rise which had been influenced by a significant reduction in annual rainfall between February and May 2025. Members acknowledged that figures had been 65.4% lower, compared to the previous year, combined with unseasonably high temperatures. It was reported that a decrease in secondary fires had been observed in June, coinciding with increased rainfall. It was highlighted that deliberate secondary fires and antisocial behaviour-related incidents had also increased due to these conditions, particularly during school holidays, and that organised crime groups had contributed to some serious arson incidents. The Chief Fire Officer outlined the preventative measures implemented in response, including target hardening, multi-agency interventions, targeted arson reduction campaigns, and the reallocation of Street Intervention Teams.

The Chief Fire Officer highlighted sickness absence figures, noting that they remained high, particularly amongst grey book staff. It was reported that performance was monitored and managed by the Performance Management Group and Strategic Boards, and that absences identified were often related to mental health issues, including stress linked to the wellbeing of family members.

With regards to the CRMP 2024–27, Members noted an update on the HMICFRS 2023 Action Plan, which detailed progress on recommendations and actions for improvement. Members’ attention was also drawn to the individual functional plans.

The Chair, Councillor Jan Grace referred to page 147 of the report, regarding the rebranding of the Kings Trust and praised officers that it was an excellent piece of work, noting that it was a positive and necessary step forward.

With regards to page 174, Councillor Jan Grace enquired about the impact of reverse mentoring and how this was working in practice. The Chief Fire Officer advised that reverse mentoring had been in place for some time and was working well, also highlighting it had been incorporated into the High Potential Development Programme.

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