To consider Report CFO/064/20 of the Chief Fire Officer, concerning the outcomes of a public engagement exercise relating to the development of the 2021/24 Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) (Appendix A) and the process for the development of the IRMP.

Members considered Report CFO/064/20 of the Chief Fire Officer, concerning the outcomes of a public engagement exercise which will inform the development of the 2021/24 Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) (Appendix A) and the process to be applied in the development of the plan.

Members were informed that the Authority are currently in the early formative stages of the development of the IRMP; and that the Authority utilise an independent organisation to engage the public around what they feel is important to them in the development of plans moving forward. Members were informed that those views and insights, along with the views of the Authority, will be utilised to inform the Authority’s plans and how they are constructed.

Members were informed that over the course of a number of deliberative forums, members of the public where asked for their views on a whole raft of areas, including the proposals contained within paragraph 6 of the report, in order to glean their views and opinions. Members were advised that the deliberate forums also sought to consider the strategy and approach adopted as an Authority, and how we have met foreseeable risk and addressed demands.

It was highlighted to Members that questions were asked around the logic applied in terms of risk, demand and vulnerability, those being factors which the public would want us to consider; and how we combine them, look at them and consider them in the deployment of our resources.

Members were advised that categorically, without exception, the public fully supported the logic applied.

Members were informed that the deliberative forums also looked at the planning principles, considering them in their totality, and that there were a couple of areas with interesting responses. Members were advised that when asked their views, the public recognised that on occasions, we may need to close stations, or merge stations, which interestingly, is counter to one of the planning principles. However, this view was only based on response times being maintained or improved, or the replacement of stations no longer fit for purpose or not providing the necessary facilities for our staff, particularly around our equalities agenda, as well as a firefighter safety perspective.

Members were advised that this was an important question to pose to the public, as there is the potential within the proposals, to merge two stations to create the new TDA and a “super station” at a particular location, equidistant between the two current stations, which we know can be done whilst actually improving performance. 

Members were informed that the public were also asked their views around prevention, protection and firefighter safety. It was confirmed to Members that the public were well informed and firefighter safety was a key aspect of focus, which confirms the importance of ensuring that our staff have the right equipment and kit; and also the right facilities available to them to train against foreseeable risk. Members were advised that the views of the public also endorsed the necessity to re-invest in Protection activity, in light of the Grenfell Tower fire and subsequent recommendations from the Dame Judith Hackett report.

It was confirmed to Members that in totality, the proposals brought to the attention of the members of public who participated in the deliberative forums, were supported; and supported on the basis of actually maintaining the number of firefighters, or indeed actually increasing the number of fire appliances available.

Members were advised that it was made clear from the outset that none of the proposals would compromise the current arrangements available to the public of Merseyside. They were informed that the proposals were very well received by the participants; and where fully supported and endorsed by them.

It was highlighted to Members that further detail regarding the questions asked and responses provided, could be found within the full report, attached as an appendix. It was also confirmed that the report will be utilised to inform the IRMP plans, which will be brought back to the Authority for consideration in the new year.

Members Resolved that:

The content of the report, be noted.