Archived decisions
AT A MEETING of the HAMPSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE AUTHORITY - BEST VALUE COMMITTEE held at Fire Brigade Headquarters, Eastleigh on 19 December, 2001.
PRESENT:
Councillors: D.A. Kirk (Chairman); Mrs. E.S.M. Barron; K. Chapman; M. Gausden; G. Semmens.
5 APOLOGIES
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Cartwright and Russell.
6 MINUTES
The Minutes of the meeting held on 31 October, 2001 were agreed.
7 BEST VALUE REVIEW OF CONTROL AND COMMUNICATIONS
The Committee considered the report of the Chief Fire Officer (Item 3 in the Minute Book) on the final report on the Best Value Review of Control and Communications. Amongst the outcomes it was noted that the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service had concluded (as an outcome of its own review) not to pursue amalgamation/collaboration with Hampshire - or any other Fire Authority.
A number of opportunities for minor improvements to the Control Room's performance had been identified and these were summarised in the draft recommendations. It was accepted that several of the recommendations needed to be costed and that it would be helpful to include statements on the extent to which current performance could be improved.
It was agreed that the Chairman and Deputy Chief Fire Officer (Operations/Training), meet to rationalise the current information, tables and recommendations and for Councillors Barron and Semmens to be notified of the date this would be undertaken. The Deputy Chief Fire Officer (Operations/Training) agreed to circulate a revised draft of the report as soon as possible.
RESOLVED:
That the findings and recommendations set out on pages 1-10 in the report on the Best Value Review of Control and Communications be further rationalised and the revised report be considered at the next meeting on 13 February, 2002.
8 PROGRESS REPORT ON CURRENT BEST VALUE REVIEWS AND BEST VALUE SCOPING STUDIES
The Committee considered the report of the Chief Fire Officer (Item 4 in the Minute Book) summarising the progress made on the current programme of reviews.
On the Best Value Scoping Study of Catering, it was noted that this Review was particularly challenging and that information to help in the determination of options was being gathered. The date of completion had been put back to the middle of 2002.
On the Best Value Scoping Study of Property Services, it was noted that comparable information was being gathered from Southampton, Portsmouth, Winchester and from relevant public sector organisations. It has also emerged that information from the building condition survey needs to be presented as a rolling programme of recommendations for future repair and maintenance works. It is anticipated that a draft will be presented at the next meeting on 13 February, 2002.
On the Best Value Review of Procurement, which was a statutory review, it was noted that the Deputy Chief Fire Officer (Operations/Training) had met with the District Auditor to discuss the appropriate methodology to be used. A new policy document to be provided to staff on good practice in due course. A detailed report to be considered at the meeting on 3 April, 2002.
RESOLVED:
That the report be noted and that Councillors Cartwright and Chapman would now constitute the Member involvement in the Procurement Best Value Review.
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