Archived decisions
AT A MEETING of the HAMPSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE AUTHORITY held at the Borough Council Offices, Eastleigh on 4 October, 2006.
Item 3
PRESENT:
Councillors: M.F. Cartwright (Chairman); I.F. Beagley; K. Chapman; M.G. Cooper; L. Dunsdon; Mrs. J. Frankum; P. Galton; P.A. Heath; D. Horne; K. House; P.R.C. Hutcheson; H. Jones; R. Kimber; D.A. Kirk; Sam Payne; R.H. Price; M.J. Woodhall.
Also in attendance Councillor P. Mason of the County Council.
129 APOLOGIES
Apologies were received from Councillors R.J. Baulk; E.F. Gale, MBE; D. Harrison; L. Hunt; R. McIntosh; D. Simpson; R. Smith and R. Williams.
130 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Members were mindful that, where they believed they had a personal or personal prejudicial interest in any matter 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.
There were no declarations of interest made by members under this item.
131 MINUTES
The Minutes of the meeting of the Authority held on 13 September, 2006 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.
Arising thereon:
Audit Commission's Annual Governance Report (Minute 112)
The Chairman reported that this item had been considered and approved by the Governance Committee on 29 September, 2006. Members congratulated the officers involved for their part in the successful outcome of this audit.
132 DEPUTATIONS
There were no deputations.
133 MEMBERS' QUESTIONS
There were no members' questions.
134 CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS
The Chairman welcomed County Councillor P. Mason who was attending the Authority meeting as an observer.
The Chairman went on to report that discussions were continuing about options for the future management of the Regional Control Centres and that the item would be further considered at the next South East Regional Management Board meeting.
135 HAMPSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE AND THE ISLE OF WIGHT FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE - OPTIONS' REVIEW
The Authority considered the report of the Chief Officer (Item 7 in the Minute book) summarising the recently completed independent review of future arrangements between Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Services. It was noted that the consultant engaged to co-ordinate the review had produced strong evidence to suggest that merger of the two services under an expanded combination scheme would have considerable benefits for both communities. The Chairman reported that the Isle of Wight had already undertaken to consult the public and other stakeholders on the Island.
During a full discussion Members raised financial and other issues which they felt the Authority should be mindful of in the event of any future merger with the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service. However, they agreed that the appropriate time to consider such issues would be when they had obtained the views of the public as a result of the proposed consultation. Members highlighted the importance of the terminology and method of consultation adopted and asked the Chief Officer to report this to the Corporate Management Team so as to enable leading Members to agree the proposed consultation process. Accordingly, it was
RESOLVED:
That the report on the review of options be noted and the Authority agrees to consult with the public on the option of merger and to do this in conjunction with its consultation on the Integrated Risk Management Plan.
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