FIRE AUTHORITY INTEGRATED RISK MANAGEMENT PLANS

1. The Authority has considered a report by the Chief Fire Officer about Integrated Risk Management Planning (IRMP) within the Fire Service and the timetable for its implementation. This major new initiative is in response to guidance from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) which has, through Her Majesty's Inspector, begun work on a new methodology by which fire authorities are to deploy all their resources (not just operational assets) to more effectively respond to and drive down risk in their communities.

2. The ODPM guidance requires fire authorities, assisted by their Chief Fire Officer's, to produce their draft IRMP for consultation by the end of August 2003. This needs to contain an explanation of how authorities' resources will be used to :

(a) Reduce the incidence of fires.


(b) Reduce loss of life in fire and accident.


(c) Reduce the number and severity of injuries occurring in fires and other emergencies.


(d) Reduce the commercial, economic and social impact of fires and other emergency incidents.


(e) Safeguard the environment and heritage.


(f) Provide communities with value for money.

3. Elected members involvement is seen as an integral part of the formulation of IRMP. To this end, the Authority has appointed leading members of all political parties to a Project Steering Group established by the Chief Fire Officer. The Group will meet on a regular basis and the notes of its meetings will be circulated to all members of the Authority. It is anticipated that the consultation period will be concluded and the plans adjusted, as appropriate, by November 2003 with formal adoption and any associated action plan by the end of November 2003. The Authority recognise the amount of work involved and the tight deadlines which have been set and will receive regular reports on progress over the coming months.

M.F. Cartwright

Chairman

4IR640703