Archived decisions

AT A MEETING of the HAMPSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE AUTHORITY held at the Borough Council Offices, Eastleigh on 7 December, 2005.

PRESENT:

Councillors: M.F. Cartwright (Chairman); Mrs. A. Baker; I. Beagley;

K. Chapman; M. Cooper; L. Dunsdon; Mrs J. Frankum; E.F. Gale MBE; P. Galton;

D. Harrison; P.A. Heath; D. Horne; P.R.C. Hutcheson; H. Jones; R. Kimber;

D.A. Kirk; R. McIntosh; Sam Payne; R.H. Price; D. Simpson; R. Smith;

M.J. Woodhall.

37 APOLOGIES

Apologies were received from Councillors R. Baulk, K. House and R. Williams.

38 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Members were mindful that, where they believed they had a personal or a personal prejudicial interest in any matters to be considered at the meeting, they should, normally at the time of the debate, declare their interest and, having regard to the circumstances described in paragraphs 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the Fire Authority's Code of Conduct, consider whether to leave the meeting whilst the matter was discussed.

All Members declared a personal interest in the item about the review of HFRA Members' Allowances (Minute 51 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.

39 MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting of the Authority held on 14 September, 2005 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

40 DEPUTATIONS

There were no deputations made under this item.

41 MEMBERS' QUESTIONS

There were no Members' questions.

42 CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS

The Chairman welcomed Councillor J. West, Chairman of the County Council to the meeting as an observer. He congratulated Jenny McNeill, Human Resources Manager at HFRS on being appointed as Regional Director for South East Employers and thanked her for her most valuable contributions over the past seven years.

The Chairman reported on a newly established Select Committee on the Fire Service Modernisation Programme and explained that further information about this would be circulated to the Authority in due course. Also, reference was made to a consultation paper which had been received on the New National Framework. To comply with the required deadlines, the comments made by the Chief Officer on the paper would be reported to the next meeting of the Authority on 15 February 2006.

The Authority noted that there would be a further briefing by the Chief Officer on the Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) for 2006 on 12 January next year and that this would be held at Fire and Rescue Headquarters at Eastleigh. All Members were encouraged to attend. Also, it was pointed out that a number of proposals within the IRMP, where significant changes were being proposed, were the subject of specific public consultation events and that the Chairman hoped to be at each of the meetings.

Finally, the Chairman invited those Members who had not already done so to take a HFRA badge and a copy of the DVD on the Equality and Diversity Strategy shown to the Authority before the meeting.

43 ACTIVITY REPORT

The Authority received and noted the report of the Chief Officer (Item 7 in the Minute Book) highlighting prevention, protection and response activities in each of the Group Areas.

44 MINUTES OF FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE - 21 OCTOBER 2005

The Authority received the Minutes of the Finance and General Purposes Committee meeting held on 21 October 2005 (Item 18 in the Minute Book).

45 DRAFT BUDGET 2006/07

The Authority considered the report of the Treasurer and Chief Officer (Item 8 in the Minute Book) on the draft budget for 2006/07. The Treasurer tabled at the meeting a paper summarising the changes required to the 2006/07 draft budget as a result of the provisional Government Grant announcement made on 5 December 2005. (Item 8(a) in the Minute Book).

The Treasurer reported that the settlement was better than expected. Some details might change and the extent of capital support was not yet known. However, this settlement, combined with the progress made in efficiency improvements, should enable the Authority's preferred policies to be carried out within a 2.7% council tax increase.

Members commended officers on the present financial position and supported consultations with the relevant parties on the basis of a proposed council tax increase of 2.7%. Accordingly, it was

RESOLVED:

(a) That the draft budget be approved.

(b) That the additional works to provide extensions to the compartment fire behaviour training facility and the practical training facilities for Urban Search and Rescue at Headquarter's, Eastleigh be added to the existing Headquarter's capital programme and a single tender be negotiated with the Headquarter's scheme main contractor (Brazier).

(d) That the final budget and council tax be set by the Authority at its meeting on 15 February 2006.

46 REGIONAL MANAGEMENT BOARD - UPDATE

The Authority considered the report of the Chief Officer (Item 9 in the Minute Book) on the key issues arising from the South-East Regional Management Board meeting held on 19 October 2005.

Whilst noting that the sites for the new Regional Control Centres had now all been identified, the Authority was still concerned that the full business case for their implementation would not be available until next summer. Members wished to continue to receive full and regular updates on the work of the Regional Management Board and the Chief Officer confirmed his intention to do this.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

47 ITEM REQUEST FROM COUNCILLOR R. PRICE

Councillor R. Price had given notice for the following item to be placed on the Authority agenda for discussion at this meeting.

"Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority request that the Regional Fire Management Board be increased from nine members to fifteen members. The Committee is then made up of the nine Chairmen or Executive Members of the nine Authorities and the remaining six places be used to provide political proportionality to the Committee. The three Political Parties will individually choose their top-up members after they know the number they are allowed to appoint."

Councillor Price reported his current concerns about Member representation on the RMB and explained why he felt representation on a more appropriate party political basis was necessary, particularly given the multitude and importance of issues currently being dealt with by the Board.

The Clerk reported that any change on the basis proposed would need to be considered by the Board itself and require a change to the existing RMB constitution. After taking a vote, the Authority felt that the most appropriate way forward was for the Chairman to raise the matter at the next meeting of the Board.

Accordingly, it was

RESOLVED:

That the request by Councillor R Price for a change to the constitution of the Regional Management Board on the basis of his submitted notice, be raised by the Chairman of the Authority at the next meeting of the Board.

48 AUDIT 2004/05 ANNUAL AUDIT LETTER - HAMPSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE AUTHORITY

The Authority considered the Audit Commissioner's Annual Audit Letter (Item 11 in the Minute Book) on the results of the 2004/05 Audit.

Stephen Taylor of the Audit Commission summarised the key issues and conclusions of their Audit. The Authority was pleased with the report and endorsed the actions for improvement mentioned.

RESOLVED:

That the Audit Commissioner's Annual Audit Letter be noted and actioned.

49 MINUTES OF HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE - 29 NOVEMBER 2005

The Authority received the Minutes of the Human Resources Committee meeting held on 29 November 2005 (Item 19 in the Minute Book).

Councillor K. Chapman took the opportunity as Chairman of the Committee to thank Jenny McNeill for her most helpful support and wished her best wishes for the future.

50 ENDORSEMENT OF THE HFRS EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY STRATEGY AND COMPREHENSIVE EQUALITY POLICY

The Authority considered the report of the Chief Officer (Item 12 in the Minute Book) seeking approval to the Equality and Diversity Strategy and the Comprehensive Equality Policy. In fully supporting the policy, Members noted that it was the Chief Officer's intention to update it as required from time to time. The Authority thanked the officers involved for their work on this initiative.

RESOLVED:

(a) That the Authority note the contents of the report and the progress made by the Service on the matter.

(b) That the Authority approve the Equality and Diversity Strategy and Comprehensive Equality Policy, and provide the necessary leadership and commitment to ensure the outcomes associated with the documents are realised.

51 SCHEME OF ALLOWANCES FOR MEMBERS OF HAMPSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE AUTHORITY

The Authority considered the report of the Clerk (Item 13 in the Minute Book) on the recommendations of the HFRA Independent Remuneration Panel meeting on 17 November 2005, following their review of the Members' Allowances Scheme.

With the exception of the special responsibility allowances proposed for the Minority Party Spokespersons, the Authority supported each of the Panel's recommendations on this item. In the case of the Liberal Democrat and Labour Spokespersons, it was felt that these allowances should be maintained at fifty per cent and twenty-five per cent respectively of the proposed new Chairman of the Authority's special responsibility allowance. The Authority also endorsed the Panel's proposal to reduce the allowance paid to Independent Members and agreed that the new allowances should take effect from 1 April 2006 and be increased in subsequent years to correspond to the retail price index used by Central Government to update State Benefits and Pensions. Accordingly, it was

RESOLVED:

(a) That the Scheme of Members' Allowances from 1 April 2006 be as follows:

(i) Basic Allowance - £2,715

(ii) Special Responsibility Allowances

(Only one special responsibility allowance is
payable to any Member under the Scheme (the
allowances in brackets will not be paid whilst
the current post holder receives a higher special
responsibility allowance in respect of another
post)

Chairman of Authority - £13,350

Vice-Chairman of Authority (x2) - £(1,632)
£1,632

Chairmen of Committees
Finance and General Purposes - £6,741

Governance - £3,261

Human Resources - £6,741

Performance Review - £3,804

Standards - £3,261

Vice-Chairmen of Committees

Finance and General Purposes - (£1,632)

Governance - (£813)

Human Resources - £1,632

Performance Review - £981

Standards - £813

Independent Members x 2 serving
on Standards Committee - £615 each

Minority Group Spokespersons
on HFRA

Liberal Democrat Party - £6,675

Labour Party - £3,337

Member for Communication Liaison - £981

Financial recognition for Members
involved in Discipline/Grievance Hearings - £125 per day
should continue to equate with daily
rate paid by LGA
in such cases

(iii) Effective Date for Implementation

That the above new rates shall apply from 1 April 2006 and on 1 April in subsequent years, to correspond to the retail price index used by Central Government to update State Benefits and Pensions and not, as at present, in line with yearly non-uniformed Fire Service pay awards.

(iv) Other HFRA Members' Expenses

That no other changes be made to the travel and other Members' expenses as set out in the HFRA Members' Allowances and Expenses Guidance Note 2005/06.

52 INTEGRATED RISK MANAGEMENT PLANNING - UPDATE

The Authority considered the report of the Chief Officer (Item 14 in the Minute Book) on progress with regard to the Integrated Risk Management Plan and in relation to the current proposed content of the IRMP for 2006. Members noted that they had been sent a revised Appendix 1 to the report prior to the meeting.

RESOLVED:

That the Authority note the progress being made in respect of the Independent Risk Management Plan for 2005 and the current proposed content of the IRMP for 2006.

53 HFRS BUSINESS CONTINUITY

The Authority considered the report of the Chief Officer (Item 15 in the Minute Book) about the proposed development of a HFRS Business Continuity Plan.

RESOLVED:

(a) That the Authority note the need and importance of developing a Business Continuity Plan for the service.

(b) That the Authority accept the outline Business Community Project Plan that supports development of the response and recovery plans for the service.

54 ARSON REDUCTION IN HAMPSHIRE

The Authority considered the report of the Chief Officer (Item 16 in the Minute Book) about arson reduction activities carried out by Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service.

A presentation was given on this item which included details on the extent of arson crime in the UK and in Hampshire. Of particular note, was the successful reduction of arson fires in Hampshire which had been helped by funding from the Arson Control Forum and by working in partnership with Hampshire Constabulary and all local Crime and Disorder/Community Safety Partnerships.

Members commended the work of those involved and looked forward to further success in dealing with arson fires in the future.

RESOLVED:

(a) That Members congratulate all those involved for the effectiveness of the measures being undertaken in seeking to reduce and tackle arson in Hampshire.

(b) That Members recognise the importance of, and continue to support, Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships.

(c) That a report detailing provision of fire setter intervention work be presented to a future meeting of the Authority.

(d) That the HFRS maintains its commitment to reduce arson fires through education of the public, engagement with those likely to cause arson and support to the police to prosecute those guilty of arson crime in line with the Independent Risk Management Plan and the proposed national strategy for children and young people.

55 PRESENTATION BY COUNCILLOR L. DUNSDON

Councillor L. Dunsdon gave a presentation to the Authority about his attendance at one of the first 999 Day Camp Projects run for young people at Fernycroft Scout Centre in the New Forest. It was noted that teachers, police officers, accredited community safety and fire officers had all participated. The aim of the day was to involve a cross-section of young people in various practical tasks, from tackling obstacle courses to constructing and racing their newly made rafts, as well as confronting the serious consequences of arson and anti-social behaviour. Also, it had enabled information to be provided about fire safety. Not only had an evaluation afterwards shown that the project had been a success, it had shown the importance and benefits of multi-agency working. Finally, Councillor Dunsdon referred to a course run in Hardley entitled "Local Intervention Fire Education (LIFE)". He reported that it sought to reduce attacks on firefighters and to reduce arson and that he would be happy to give a future presentation to the Authority on this.

The Authority thanked Councillor Dunsdon for his interesting presentation.

56 NOTES OF COMMUNITY FIRE SAFETY STRATEGY STEERING GROUP - 11 NOVEMBER 2005

The Authority received the notes of the Community Fire Safety Strategy Steering Group meeting held on 11 November 2005 (Item 20 in the Minute Book).

57 CONSTITUTION OF HFRA - STANDARDS COMMITTEE

The Authority noted that in view of the statutory provisions regarding the constitution of the Standards Committee, one Councillor Member was required to be removed so as to give the correct Councillor/Independent Member balance.

RESOLVED:

That Councillor P.A. Heath no longer serve as a Member of the Standards Committee to give the correct Councillor/Independent Member balance.

58 HFRA STANDARDS COMMITTEE - INTERVIEW PANEL

The Clerk reported the intention to convene an Interview Panel to see candidates who had applied to serve as Independent Members on the Standards Committee for a four year term from February 2006. The recommendations of the Panel would require approval by the Authority on
15 February 2006.

RESOLVED:

That the Authority give approval to the Clerk, in consultation with the Chairman of the Standards Committee, to approach 3 Members of that Committee to form an Interview Panel to see a short-list of candidates who have applied to serve as Independent Members on the Standards Committee.

59 FREQUENCY OF HFRA MEETINGS

The Authority noted that the Corporate Management Team had considered this matter and felt the present number of HFRA meetings each year should continue.

RESOLVED:

That the Authority shall continue to meet four times per year as at present.

60 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ANNUAL FIRE CONFERENCE, RUNCORN, CHESHIRE ON 14 AND 15 MARCH 2006

The Authority considered appointing Members to attend this Fire Conference next year.

RESOLVED:

That Councillors R. Price and Mrs J. Frankum, along with two other Conservative Members (names to subsequently be notified to the Chief Officer), be appointed to attend the Local Government Annual Fire Conference in Cheshire on 14 and 15 March 2006.

61 EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC

RESOLVED:

That, by virtue of the relevant paragraph shown below of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded for the remainder of the meeting.

Paragraph 1 - Minute 62
Paragraph 3 - Minute 63

62 HFRA GRIEVANCE APPEAL - 27 SEPTEMBER, 2005

The Authority received and noted the confidential report of the Clerk (Item 26 in the Minute Book) on the outcome of the HFRA Grievance Appeal held on 27 September 2005.

63 ASSESSMENT MANAGEMENT WORKING GROUP - REPORT ON RECENT ACTIVITY

The Authority considered the confidential report of the Chief Officer (Item 27 in the Minute Book) on recent activities involving the Asset Management Working Group.

During discussion Members paid particular attention to the Working Group's evaluation of the alternative options for the possible future disposal of housing stock surplus to operational requirements. Some Members were unsure as to whether this was the most appropriate way forward. The Authority concluded by supporting option four as summarised in the report and agreed that the officers would consult with the representative bodies and existing tenants on this revision to the existing policy. Members noted that there would be a further report following consultation at their next meeting. Accordingly, it was

RESOLVED:

(a) That the activities of the Asset Management Working Group as set out in the report be noted.

(b) That the Authority agree to consult on the basis that, in cases where residential properties (owned by the Authority) are declared surplus to operational requirements as a result of changes to duty systems and/or the establishment, existing tenants will be given the appropriate notice to quit in accordance with their service tenancy agreements; and those tenants who have been in occupation of the property for a minimum of twelve months prior to the date of changes to the duty system and/or the establishment will be offered the opportunity to purchase the property at full market value - less 5% or £10,000 (whichever is the lesser sum) - in recognition of the financial saving to the Authority of the normal administrative costs and professional fees associated with disposal.

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