Archived decisions

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority

Item

4 December 2002

B&Q - Lead Authority Partnership Scheme

Report of the Chief Fire Officer

Contact:

John Bonney - Deputy Chief Fire Officer 023 8064 4000 Ext 207

1

Introduction

1.1

The Lead Authority Partnership Scheme aims to help companies that have outlets in a number of local authority areas by:

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increasing consistency in the standards expected by such local authorities in the enforcement of health and safety (including fire safety);

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Providing a liaison point on key health and safety issues; and

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Providing advice on how to improve health and safety performance.

1.2

The Scheme is supported by the Government in seeking to reduce the burden of bureaucracy on industry/commerce.

2

Lead Authority Partnership - B&Q/HFRS

2.1

A Partnership Scheme was formally agreed by B&Q/Eastleigh Borough Council/Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service following a meeting held on 12 June 1998. Further meetings took place to explore the details and structure of the scheme, with a letter of agreement from B&Q dated 15 October 1998.

2.2

It was understood that the commitment for consultation under the Partnership Scheme would amount to 60 (of 130) new warehouses to be built across the country over the following 18 months.

2.3

It was later agreed that the Commercial Training (now Commercial Services) Department would formulate and deliver the training requirement for B&Q at all levels.

3

Development of the Partnership

3.1

Work was commenced to ensure the necessary policy, procedures and agreements were in place. The following draft documents were prepared:-

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Fire Safety Management Review

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Lead Authority Procedural Guidance

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Memorandum of Understanding

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Formal Agreement

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Fire Safety Policy and Procedure

3.2

A procedure was agreed whereby plan proposals for developments in England and Wales would be submitted to Eastleigh Borough Council for plan examination and then consultation on Fire Regulations, with HFRS (using divisional fire safety staff). HFRS would keep the host Fire Authority informed of progress of applications.

3.3

By the end of December 2000 it was evident that the expected workload of at least 60 new warehouses, plus refurbishments, had not materialised. To date Eastleigh Borough Council and HFRS have only been consulted on 5 projects.

3.4

As a result of some difficulties Eastleigh Borough Council decided to withdraw from the partnership.

4

Current Position

4.1

In June 2002 HFRS fire safety staff met with senior management at B&Q plc to discuss if they wished to continue the partnership Scheme and, if so, to agree that more formal arrangements would be followed by B&Q staff.

4.2

B&Q stated they wished to develop the Lead Authority Partnership. It is now proposed to draw up a 'Memorandum of Understanding' between HFRS and B&Q plc for the Lead Authority Partnership, which will ensure quality and consistency of approach in compliance with fire regulations at the design stage.

5

European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act 1998

5.1

The proposals within this report are compatible with the provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights, the Human Rights Act 1998, and considered in the light of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000.

Recommendation

That Members endorse the decision to continue with the Lead Authority Partnership with B&Q plc and that, at the earliest opportunity the CFO, on behalf of the Authority, to sign a 'Memorandum of Understanding' to clarify the respective roles of the partners.

Section 100D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers

The following documents disclose the facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of the report.

NB The list excludes:

1 Published works

2 Documents that disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act

Dir Fin: HFRA 4 12 2002 B and Q 14/11/2002