To consider Report CFO/012/17 of the Deputy Chief Fire Officer, concerning the outcomes of public consultation on the Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) 2017-20; and publication of the final post-consultation version.

Members considered report CFO/012/17 of the Deputy Chief Fire Officer, concerning the outcomes of the public consultation on the Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) 2017-20; and publication of the final post-consultation version. 

Members were provided with an overview of the report which emphasised that the draft IRMP was approved on 20^th October 2016, subject to public consultation.  The extent of the public consultation undertaken was highlighted along with the general views of the individuals who participated in the consultation, which were generally supportive.  Those who participated primarily understood that the changes required were as a direct result of the budget challenge facing the Authority. 

Amendments made to the IRMP document, following consultation were also highlighted. 

The Chief Fire Officer reiterated that the proposals within the document were necessary to set a balanced budget.  They would not improve services and were not proposals he would be recommending if it were not for the financial challenges faced by the Authority. 

Representatives of the relevant Representative Bodies were then invited to make comment.

The Fire Brigade Union (FBU) requested to do so.

Firstly, they expressed support for the comments made by the Chief Fire Officer. However they commented that they could not support job loses or endorse reductions in fire cover, but acknowledged that the Authority’s hands are tied.  Support was expressed for the Authority’s stance on maintaining whole time fire fighters; and for local devolution. However, the FBU believe it is vital for the Service to maintain its independence, so would therefore not support a PCC single employer model. Further comments were made regarding Government attacks on firefighter terms and conditions, stating that further reductions would not be tolerated.

Members expressed their thanks to all staff and officers for their hard work. 

Members resolved that:

a)    The responses to the consultation, be noted as having been adequately considered and reflected within the Integrated Risk Management Plan 2017/20, where appropriate.

b)    The challenging budget position facing the Authority, be noted as being adequately reflected within the IRMP.

c)    The Authority’s commitment to ensuring that the impact of the changes on the communities of Merseyside be minimised and firefighter safety maximised, be reaffirmed.

d)    The fact that there are areas of the IRMP that will have direct impact upon our staff, be noted.  In line with all staffing matters the IRMP has been the subject of additional staff consultation/negotiation. 

e)    The proposals within this IRMP, be noted as having been subject to extensive public consultation.  The outcomes of these consultations have been attached as appendices to this report.

f)     The IRMP 2017/20, be approved for publication on 1^st April 2017.