Archived decisions
AT A MEETING of the HAMPSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE AUTHORITY held at the Borough Council Offices, Eastleigh on 8 December, 2004.
PRESENT:
Councillors M.F. Cartwright (Chairman); Mrs. A.E. Bailey; Mrs. A. Baker; Mrs. E.S.M. Barron; A. Bentley; R. Baulk; K. Chapman; E.F. Gale, MBE; P. Galton; Mrs. D. Harrison; P.A. Heath; D. Horne; D.A. Kirk; P. Luffman; R. McIntosh; R.H. Price; Mrs. M.D. Snaith; J. Stocks; M.J. Woodhall.
Also in attendance were Pete Haisman and Louise Judd on behalf of the Prince's Trust (Minute 289 refers) and Stephen Taylor, Charlotte Smith and Christine Williams of the Audit Commission (Minute 295 refers).
283 APOLOGIES
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Mrs. P.G.E. Holden-Brown; K. House; P.R.C. Hutcheson; K.P.J. Searle; R. Smith; and R. Williams.
284 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
All members declared an interest in the item concerning the Independent Remuneration Panel and Standards Committee's proposals on various Special Responsibility Allowances in relation to the Scheme of Members' Allowances (Minute 301 refers), but were advised by the Clerk that they need not treat this as a prejudicial interest and therefore could speak and vote during the course of the debate in the normal way.
285 MINUTES
The Minutes of the Authority held on 15 September, 2004 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.
286 DEPUTATIONS
There were no deputations under this item.
287 MEMBERS' QUESTIONS
There were no members' questions under this item.
288 CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS
(i) The Chairman welcomed Dave Curry, Deputy Chief Officer and Laura Small, Head of Marketing and Communications to their first meeting of the Authority.
(ii) The Chairman and the Liberal Democrat Minority Group Spokesperson paid warm tributes to Councillor Bill Wheeler, a former Fire Authority Member, who had sadly died on 6 October 2004. Members stood for a minute's silence in respect of his memory.
(iii) The Chairman went on to mention various recent fire service related events which included a fire appliance being located at Popley Community Centre, a Regional Management Board Away-Day meeting at Reigate, a visit to Fareham Fire Station, a Members' Awareness Day at Fire Headquarters, a Certificate Presentation and a LGA Seminar on Combined Fire Authorities at Reading.
289 PRESENTATION BY PETE HAISMAN - PROGRESSION AWARD FROM PRINCE'S TRUST
(Councillor D. Kirk declared a personal interest as a Trustee of the Prince's Trust).
The Authority received a presentation by Pete Haisman on his progression award from the Prince's Trust and about the beneficial impact of their involvement on his life. Louise Judd, overall Co-ordinator of the Prince's Trust, accompanied Mr. Haisman and spoke of his great achievement in receiving the award.
Members paid tribute to his accomplishments since leaving school and wished him every success in the future.
290 PRESENTATION ON STRATEGIC RISK MANAGEMENT
At the request of the Chief Officer, it was
RESOLVED:
That this item be postponed to the next meeting of the Authority by which time the strategic risk management register will have been updated.
291 ACTIVITY REPORT
The Authority received and noted the report of the Chief Officer (Item 9 in the Minute Book) highlighting prevention, protection and response activities in each of the Group Areas.
292 DRAFT BUDGET 2005/06
The Authority considered the report of the Treasurer and Chief Officer (Item 10 in the Minute Book) setting out the draft budget for 2005/06.
The Treasurer and Chief Officer highlighted that since the report had been issued, the Government had announced a 3.8% increase in Formula Spending Share for this Authority. This was better than had been expected and would give greater flexibility in setting the level of any increase in the Council Tax at the budget meeting next February. Members welcomed this but were, however, mindful of the wisdom of building into the budget, as highlighted in the report, the necessary safeguards against possible future calls on funds.
An amendment to recommendation 3 of the report (Item 10(i) in the Minute Book) was tabled at the meeting. It proposed that CMT be given the authority to decide the actual percentage rise upon which to undertake statutory consultations up to a maximum Council Tax increase of 2.5%.
At this point the Clerk made reference to a Financial Management Strategy (Item 21 Minute 108 of Finance and General Purposes Committee of 20 October, 2004 refers) which had been circulated at the meeting. The Strategy sought to provide the necessary financial resources to enable the service to make Hampshire safer, and to ensure a high standard in the management of public finances.
During the ensuing discussion various Members asked questions and sought clarification on particular issues in relation to the budget. The Authority supported the Financial Management Strategy and the proposed amendment to recommendation (iii) of the budget report. Accordingly, it was
RESOLVED:
(i) That the base budget be approved.
(ii) That the latest costs of the existing capital commitments and the addition of the Home Risk Fire Initiative and the refurbishment of the headquarters reception as set out in Appendix 3 of the report be approved.
(iii) That arrangements be made for statutory consultations on proposals consistent with a maximum Council Tax increase of 2.5%, the actual figure for consultation purposes to be agreed by the Corporate Management Team.
(iv) That the Treasurer, in consultation with the Chief Officer, be authorised to negotiate leasing arrangements for vehicles and equipment based on the limits set out in Section 5 of the report.
(v) That the final budget and Council Tax be set by the Authority at its meeting on 9 February, 2005.
(vi) That the Financial Management Strategy prepared by the Treasurer be approved.
293 AUDIT COMMISSION VERIFICATION STUDY ON FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE PAY AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE : PHASE 2 - ACTION PLAN
The Authority considered the report of the Chief Officer (Item 11 in the Minute Book) on the Action Plan developed in response to the Audit Commission's Verification Study on Fire and Rescue Service Pay and Conditions of Service.
The Chief Officer highlighted the actions already taken to strengthen the role of Members in the modernisation of the Fire Service. It had included the organising of Members' awareness events and the participation of leading Members at CMT meetings.
RESOLVED:
That the Action Plan developed in response to the Audit Commission's Verification Study on Fire and Rescue Service Pay and Conditions of Service (Phase 2) be endorsed.
294 SOUTH EAST FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICES REGIONAL MANAGEMENT BOARD - UPDATE
The Authority considered the report of the Chief Officer (Item 12 in the Minute Book) on the key issues arising from the South East Regional Fire and Rescue Services Regional Management Board meeting held on
22 September, 2004.
Members were concerned to learn of the private pre-meetings which take place prior to the meetings of the full Regional Management Board and felt such meetings should be held in public session. The Chairman reported that this had already been raised by him but that the Board had decided against any change. Notwithstanding this, the Authority felt their concerns should be formally recorded and notified by the Chairman to the Board. Accordingly, it was
RESOLVED:
(i) That the report on 22 September 2004 meeting of the South East Fire and Rescue Service Regional Management Board be noted.
(ii) That the HFRA formally request that the Regional Management Board, in the interests of openness and transparency, do not hold private pre-meetings of the full RMB prior to their meetings held in public session.
295 AUDIT 2003/04 ANNUAL AUDIT LETTER - HAMPSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE AUTHORITY
The Authority considered the Audit Commission's Annual Audit Letter (Item 13 in the Minute Book) on the results of the HFRA 2003/04 Audit.
Stephen Taylor, Charlotte Smith and Christine Williams summarised the key issues and conclusions of their audit. The Authority was particularly pleased to learn of the continuing good progress in performance management and services in response to the modernisation agenda and congratulated officers for their efforts.
RESOLVED:
That the Audit Commission's Annual Audit Letter be noted.
296 DEFERMENT OF THE REGULATORY REFORM (FIRE SAFETY) ORDER 2004
The Authority considered the report of the Chief Officer (Item 14 in the Minute Book) about the deferment of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2004 and the impact of this on both the HFRS and the business community of Hampshire.
RESOLVED:
(i) That the contents of the report be noted.
(ii) That the Chief Officer write on behalf of the Authority to Nick Raynsford MP, deploring this further delay of the introduction of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2004 and record the negative consequences it will have on the Protection elements of Hampshire's Integrated Risk Management Plan.
297 HFRA - SCHEME OF DELEGATION TO OFFICERS
The Authority considered the report of the Chief Officer (Item 15 in the Minute Book) on a proposed revised scheme of delegation to officers. It was noted that paragraph 3.4 of the report should refer to paragraph 14 and not 16 as presently shown in the text.
The Chief Officer highlighted that it was the intention of the revised scheme to involve Members in the Grievance and the Discipline Procedures only should a senior manager within the Fire Service submit a grievance or be the subject of disciplinary action. It was felt that this should reduce significantly the need for Members to be involved in such future cases.
RESOLVED:
That the Authority approve the HFRA - Scheme of Delegation to Officers.
298 FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICES ACT 2004
The Authority received and noted the report of the Chief Officer (Item 16 in the Minute Book) setting out a synopsis of the major elements of this Act.
299 A VALUES BASED APPROACH TO HAMPSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE WORK
The Authority considered the report of the Chief Officer (Item 17 in the Minute Book) on the proposed adoption of various values to underpin all HFRS activities. Members commended the report and it was
RESOLVED:
(i) That the Authority endorses in principle the four values of:
Openness, Honesty and Integrity;
Diversity;
Challenge and Innovation;
Service;
as underpinning all of its activities.
(ii) That the Authority support the Chief Officer's intention to consult with staff and the public on these values.
300 TRADE UNION RECOGNITION AND SUPPORT
The Authority considered the report of the Chief Officer (Item 18 in the Minute Book) on a review of the local consultation and negotiation framework currently operating within Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Members fully supported the way forward as set out in the report and felt that it was the right time to introduce such changes.
RESOLVED:
(i) That the Authority formally recognise the Fire Officers' Association for local consultation and negotiations on issues directly relating to, or impacting upon officers employed in the role of Station Manager to Area Manager.
(ii) That the Authority formally recognise the Retained Firefighters' Union for local consultation and negotiation on issues directly relating to, or impacting upon, firefighters employed on the retained duty system.
301 MEMBERS' ALLOWANCES SCHEME - NEW RESPONSIBILITY/ ALLOWANCE MATTERS
The Authority considered the report of the Clerk (Item 19 in the Minute Book) on a proposal to approve a special responsibility allowance for the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the new Governance Committee and for the recently appointed Member to deal specifically with better communications and liaison between all Members of the Authority. Also, Members were asked to note the views of the Independent Remuneration Panel to endorse the earlier views of the Standards Committee and the Fire Authority not to pay a special responsibility allowance to Members involved in Disciplinary/Grievance hearings.
Whilst supporting the proposed additions to the existing scheme as recommended by the Independent Remuneration Panel and Standards Committee, a number of Members felt there should be some form of financial recognition for those of them asked to attend Disciplinary/Grievance hearings. A proposal was made and supported by a majority of Members that the financial payment involved should equate to the existing daily rate paid by the Local Government Association in such cases.
However, the following Members abstained from voting on this matter and asked that their names be recorded in the Minutes. They were Councillors M.F. Cartwright; K. Chapman; Mrs. D. Harrison and D.A. Kirk.
RESOLVED:
That approval be given to the following:-
(i) Special Responsibility/Allowance for Chairman and Vice-Chairman of Governance Committee
£
Chairman of Governance Committee (*) 3,085 per annum
Vice-Chairman of Governance Committee (*) 770 per annum
* effective from 25 October, 2004
(ii) Special Responsibility Allowance for New Member Appointment with Responsibility for Communication Liaison
New Member with responsibility for
Communication Liaison (*) £925 per annum
* effective from 15 September, 2004
(iii) That next year's allowances be uplifted in accordance with current arrangements by reference to the pay settlement for Fire and Rescue Service non-uniformed staff.
(iv) That a daily rate which accords with that used by the Local Government Association be paid to those HFRA Members involved in Disciplinary/Grievance Hearings and be effective from this meeting. [Please note the current amount paid is £125]
302 MINUTES OF THE STANDARDS COMMITTEE - 28 SEPTEMBER, 2004
The Authority received the Minutes of the Standards Committee held on 28 September, 2004 (Item 20 in the Minute Book).
303 MINUTES OF THE FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE - 20 OCTOBER, 2004
The Authority received the Minutes of the Finance and General Purposes Committee held on 20 October, 2004 and adopted the recommendation on budget monitoring (Item 21 in the Minute Book). It was noted that Minute 102(i) in relation to the Financial Management Strategy had been dealt with in an earlier part of the meeting as part of the budget item, (Minute 292 refers).
304 MINUTES OF GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE - 25 OCTOBER, 2004
The Authority received the Minutes of the Governance Committee held on 25 October, 2004 (Item 22 in the Minute Book).
305 MINUTES OF THE PERSONNEL COMMITTEE - 1 DECEMBER, 2004
The Authority received the Minutes of the Personnel Committee held on 1 December, 2004 and adopted the recommendation to rename it the Human Resources Committee with immediate effect (Item 23 in the Minute Book).
306 MINUTES OF PERFORMANCE REVIEW COMMITTEE - 1 DECEMBER, 2004
The Authority received the Minutes of the Performance Review Committee held on 1 December, 2004 (Item 24 in the Minute Book).
307 NOTES OF FAIRNESS AND DIGNITY GROUP - 21 OCTOBER, 2004
The Authority received the notes of the Fairness and Dignity Group held on 21 October, 2004 (Item 25 in the Minute Book).
308 LGA FIRE CONFERENCE - 15 AND 16 MARCH, 2005 AT GUILDHALL, PORTSMOUTH
The Authority received and noted the draft programme for the LGA Fire Conference to be held on 15 and 16 March, 2005 in the Guildhall, Portsmouth (Item 26 in the Minute Book). In view of Hampshire's involvement in next year's Conference, the Chief Officer agreed to write to Members with further details and to establish Members' availability and interest concerning whole-time/part-time attendance.
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