Archived decisions

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority

Governance Committee Item

25 March 2009

Audit Commission - Draft Annual Audit Inspection Letter 2008

Report by the Chief Officer

Contact: David Howells, Director of Corporate Services Telephone: 023 8062 6833

1

Summary

1.2

The comments made by the Audit Commission about the Authority's performance in 2007/08 are very positive. It is particularly good to see that Hampshire is one of only five fire and rescue authorities assessed as "improving strongly". The main areas identified for improvement had been anticipated through our self-assessment and risk management processes and action is already underway to address them.

2

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2.1

That the Audit Commission's Draft Annual Audit and Inspection Letter 2008 be noted; and that Members take the opportunity at the meeting to raise with the auditors any concerns or questions they may have prior to the Letter being finalised.

2.2

That the actions already being taken to address the main areas for improvement summarised in paragraphs 3.1 to 3.4 of this report be endorsed.

3

Areas for improvement

In their Letter (attached as an appendix to this report) the Auditors identified four main areas for improvement. None of these was unexpected and action is already being taken to address them.

3.1

Monitor closely the financial position in the developing financial climate, to ensure spending plans are regularly reviewed and matched to expected levels of resource.

The Director of Corporate Services represents the interests of combined fire authorities on the national `Fire Expenditure Working Group'. This provides a very useful forum to gather and share information on current financial issues and how these are impacting on the fire and rescue service. It is also an opportunity to influence the submission made to the Government (via the Local Government Association) as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review.

We have identified the `impact of the economic climate' as a strategic risk for the Authority. We will set out a number of control and mitigation measures to reduce the potential risk for future spending plans.

Several of the Authority's corporate objectives in its Plan for 2009/10 to 2011/12 aim to improve the use of our resources and ensure that we have the ability to match our delivery of services with expected levels of funding.

3.2

Ensure actions agreed to improve the approach to equality and diversity are implemented so that the workforce better reflects the communities it serves.

The Authority achieved Level 3 of the Equality Standard for Local Government in 2008. This confirmed the good progress that has been achieved since 2007/08. Actions are now underway with the aim of achieving Level 4. The Authority has also opted to work towards more stretching targets with the aim of improving the diversity of new joiners to the Service. Low levels of turnover and reduced recruitment levels will mean that the speed of progress in this area will be inhibited.

3.3

Monitor the actions being taken to address risks associated with not having kept pace with the backlog of building maintenance and repair over recent years.

This remains a strategic risk for the Authority, but the impact has been reduced as a result of the Authority providing additional funding (both revenue and capital) for the repair, maintenance and improvement of its building stock. The closure of Copnor Fire Station and the rebuilding of Winchester Fire Station will also improve the position.

3.4

Ensure agreed actions to progress further improvements in the use of resources assessments are implemented.

The Committee is already aware of the detailed recommendations arising from the Use of Resources Assessment. These have been discussed in detail with the auditors and an action plan to address all of them was taken to the last meeting of the Performance Review and Scrutiny Committee (on 27 February 2009). Progress on these actions will be carefully monitored and reported to this Committee.

4

Contribution to Corporate Aims and Objectives

4.1

The Authority's ambition is to become the best performing fire and rescue service in the country. Excellent progress has been confirmed in this latest Annual Audit and Inspection Letter. By making improvements in the areas identified in the Letter, delivering on the new corporate aims for 2009/10 to 2011/12 and obtaining a good score in the Comprehensive Area Assessment later in the year; the Authority stands a very good chance of moving closer to its ambition.

5

Risk Analysis

5.1

The potential risks identified in the Annual Audit and Inspection Letter had already been anticipated and are included in the Authority's Strategic Risk Register.

6

Resource Implications

6.1

There are no specific resource implications arising from the recommendations of this report. The actions being taken to make improvements have largely been taken into account in preparing the budget for 2009/10.

7

People Impact Assessment

7.1

There are no significant issues arising from the recommendations of this report to draw to the attention of Members. Clearly, the area for improvement: "ensure actions agreed to improve the approach to equality and diversity are implemented so that the workforce better reflects the communities it serves", will involve taking a number of specific actions which will themselves be the subject of people impact assessments.

7.2

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

Background Information (Section 100D of Local Government Act 1972)

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:

· Audit Commission: Annual Audit and Inspection Letter [for Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority] 2008. Attached to the report.

Note: The list excludes: (1) published works; and (2) documents that disclose exempt or confidential information defined in the Act.