Archived decisions

AT A MEETING of the HAMPSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE AUTHORITY held at the Borough Council Offices, Eastleigh on 9 December, 2009

PRESENT:

Councillors: R. Smith (Chairman); I. Beagley; C. Carter; K. Chapman; A. Evans; L. Fairhurst; J. Frankum; A. Fraser; D. Fuller; P. Galton; D. Harrison; F. Jonas; D.A. Kirk; P. Marsh-Jenks; R. McIntosh; Sam Payne; F. Pearce; R. Price; D. Simpson; M. Tucker; A. Weeks; J. West.

48 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors A. Carew; R.J. Kimber; P. West.

49 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, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with Paragraph 12 of the Code.

There were no declarations of interest made by members under this item.

50 MINUTES

The Minutes of the Authority held on 16 September, 2009 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Matters arising:

Appointments to Crime and Disorder Reduction/Community Safety Partnerships

Pursuant to Minute 28, it was reported that Councillor D. Harrison would serve as the Authority's representative on the Eastleigh partnership. The Chairman agreed to seek to fill the outstanding vacancy on the Winchester Partnership.

Fire and Rescue Authority Mutual Limited (FRAML) : Winding-up of the Company

Pursuant to Minute 37, the Authority received an update of the present position concerning the winding-up of FRAML. The Director of Corporate Services, David Howells, (who was also the Chairman of the Board of Directors of FRAML when it was operating) reported that all nine member authorities had now signed the deed of indemnity to enable the formal winding-up of the company. This will mean that the paid-up capital investment will be returned to the Authority plus a proportionate share of FRAML's operating surplus. It was also noted that, following extensive lobbying, legislation is now in place to allow local authorities to participate in insurance mutual arrangements.

51 DEPUTATIONS

There were no deputations to the meeting.

52 MEMBERS' QUESTIONS AND DEVELOPMENT

Whilst there were no Members' questions, Councillor K. Chapman reported on his attendance at a House of Commons Select Committee on 5 November, 2009. He highlighted the matters considered which had included building control regulations which did not currently cover residential sprinklers. Whilst a Government review of these regulations was expected it was unlikely to be for some time. Due to Members concerns over this, the Chief Officer undertook to raise the issue at the South-East Regional Management Board with a view to it making a recommendation to the Department of Communities and Local Government to bring forward their building regulations review.

53 CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS

The Chairman reported that the Audit Commission had published that same day, information on the performance of local public services throughout England. The Authority had been rated as "performing well", having achieved a score of three out of four for "managing performance" and "use of resources" thus making Hampshire one of the strongest performing fire and rescue services in the Country. A summary of the Authority's Organisational Assessment was tabled at the meeting (Item 6 in the Minute Book). Tribute was paid to the hard work of all of the Service under the dedicated leadership of the Service Management Team which had enabled Hampshire to reach this high standard.

The Chairman shared with the Authority a letter from the Deputy Director of the Fire and Resilience Directorate of Community and Local Government, congratulating the Authority on its delivery of efficiency savings of £2,242,000, approximately 3.28% of the Authority's budget for 2008.09.

The Chairman reported on his recent attendance at the Service's annual awards ceremony, "Celebrating Success". The event had highlighted how hard the Service was working in many areas, and in a variety of ways, to adapt to the changing risks within the communities of Hampshire. Awards ranged from long service and good conduct medals, to Chief's Commendations and certificates of academic and vocational achievement. Recognition had also been given to the external partners and organisations who help Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service to achieve best practice.

Finally, the Chairman announced that Deputy Chief Officer, Alan House would be retiring from the Service at the end of April, 2010. Although it would not be his last meeting, he thanked Mr. House for his dedicated service and hard work over the past forty-two years. A further tribute would be paid to him at the next Authority meeting in February, 2010.

54 NEW DIMENSION PROJECT - TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP OF NEW DIMENSION ASSETS

With the agreement of the Chairman under Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972, the Clerk and Chief Officer introduced an urgent late item relating to the New Dimension Project and the transfer of ownership of new dimension assets. The Chairman was of the opinion that there were special circumstances requiring the matter to be considered urgently.

These were that, since the agenda for the meeting had been published, a letter had been received from the Fire and Rescue Directorate for Communities and Local Government which asked the Authority to sign an agreement on this item by 31 December, 2009 i.e. before the date of the next Authority meeting. In view of the special circumstances and the timeframe involved, the Authority supported the comments of the Chief Officer and Clerk as to a way forward which would give Finance and General Purposes Committee delegated authority to consider and determine the matter on behalf of the Authority at their next meeting in January, 2010. Accordingly, it was

RESOLVED:

(a) That the Chief Officer prepare a briefing note for Corporate Management Team on 14 December, 2009 about the New Dimension Project and those outstanding issues regarding the transfer of ownership of new dimension assets to fire and rescue authorities and that a copy of the briefing note be circulated to all Members of the Authority.


(b) That, following discussions at CMT, a report be presented to Finance and General Purposes Committee on 14 January, 2010 on the New Dimension Project as referred to in (a) above and that the Committee be given delegated authority to determine this matter on behalf of the Authority.


(c) That the Chief Officer inform the Directorate for Communities and Local Government of the above arrangements.

55 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.

56 DRAFT BUDGET 2010/11

The Authority considered the report of the Treasurer and Chief Officer (Item 8 in the Minute Book) on the draft budget for 2010/11.

The Authority noted that it was well-placed for 2010/11 because only a small increase in base budget costs was proposed. Also, that it was fairly well-placed in the longer term because of plans to generate savings. However, it was recognised by Members that grant funding would fall sharply presenting potential capital spending pressures. Therefore, the decision on the council tax levels for 2010/11 would need to be made in this uncertain context.

RESOLVED:

(a) That the base budget be approved.


(b) That the Authority consults on council tax increase options for 2010/11 of 0%, 1.5% and 3.0%.


(c) That the final budget and council tax be set, following consultation, at the Authority's meeting on 10 February, 2010.

57 HAMPSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE PLAN 2010-2013 : PROGRESS REPORT ON CONSULTATION

The Authority considered the report of the Chief Officer (Item 9 in the Minute Book) on feedback so far from the consultation with stakeholders on the proposed corporate objectives for the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service Plan 2010 to 2013.

RESOLVED:

That the feedback received so far from consultation with stakeholders on the proposed corporate objectives for the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service Plan 2010 to 2013 be noted.

58 SOUTH EAST FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICES REGIONAL MANAGEMENT BOARD : UPDATE FOLLOWING MEETING ON 7 OCTOBER, 2009

The Authority received and noted the report of the Chief Officer (Item 10 in the Minute Book) highlighting some of the key issues discussed at the South-East Fire and Rescue Service Regional Management Board meeting held on 7 October, 2009.

59 FIRELINK AND FIRECONTROL PROJECTS - UPDATE

The Authority considered the report of the Chief Officer (Item 11 in the Minute Book) about recent developments in relation to the Firelink and the Fire Control projects.

RESOLVED:

(a) That the continuing uncertainty regarding future costs and funding for the Fire Control and the Firelink projects be noted.


(b) That the Authority be a signatory to a letter to Communities and Local Government from the Regional Management Board raising concerns on behalf of the South East Authorities about future funding burdens in respect of both projects.


(c) That the Authority be a signatory to the submission by the Regional Management Board to the Select Committee enquiry into the Fire Control Project on behalf of the South East Regional Fire and Rescue Authorities.

60 WINCHESTER FIRE STATION : TENDERS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF NEW STATION AT WINNALL, WINCHESTER

The Authority noted that tenders for construction of the new building had been received on 8 December, 2009. The next opportunity to report on the outcome of their evaluation to obtain approval to let a contract would not be until the Authority's budget meeting on 10 February, 2010. This would cause a delay to the start of the building works. To avoid this, the Authority supported the way forward proposed subject to the accepted tender also offering best value. The Director of Corporate Services confirmed that there would be scope to include some additional refurbishment and minor improvement works in respect of the former vehicle workshops buildings that have been retained on the site to provide a road traffic collision training facility and additional vehicle garaging. Accordingly, it was

RESOLVED:

That, in order to avoid any delays in the start of construction of the new Winchester Fire Station, delegated approval be given to the Chief Officer, in consultation with the Chairman, to accept the lowest compliant tender which also offers best value in relation to the scheme, subject to the results of the tender evaluation being reported to the next meeting of the Finance and General Purposes Committee on 14 January, 2010.

61 REVIEW OF THE EXISTING HFRA MEMBERS' ALLOWANCES SCHEME

The Authority considered the report of the Clerk (Item 13 in the Minute Book) setting out the recommendations of the HFRA - Independent Recommendation Panel meeting held on 25 November, 2009 in relation to the current Members Allowances Scheme.

The Clerk reported in relation to observations made by the independent remuneration panels for the Authority's three constituent Councils. Hampshire County Council was recommending to freeze its Basic and SRA allowances at their existing rates for 2010/11, whereas Portsmouth City Council was recommending to link the levels of remuneration with that of paid staff, in terms of adjustment and that Southampton City Council was proposing to freeze Members' Allowances for two years.

In discussion, an amendment to the IRP's recommendations set out in the Clerk's report was made by Councillor R. McIntosh and seconded by Councillor D.A. Kirk. It was to delete recommendation (b) and to replace recommendation (c) so as to enable the existing member mileage rate to continue for 2010/11.

The required number of Members, pursuant to Standing Order 16(3) signified their support for the voting on the amendment mentioned above to be recorded to show how each member voted.

Members supporting this amendment

I. Beagley; C. Carter; K. Chapman; A. Evans; L. Fairhurst; F. Jonas; D. Kirk; R. McIntosh; F. Pearce; R. Smith; M. Tucker; J. West

Total 12

Members opposing this amendment

J. Frankum; A. Fraser; D. Fuller; P. Galton; D. Harrison; P. Marsh-Jenks; Sam Payne; R. Price; D. Simpson; A. Weeks.

Total 10

Members abstaining.

None.

RESOLVED:

(a) That the Basic and Special Responsibility Allowances be frozen at the existing rates for 2010/11.


(b) That the mileage rate paid to Members of the Authority continue on the same basis as before (currently 53.8p per mile) from 1 April, 2010.


(c) That the Scheme be amended to incorporate a new Special Responsibility Allowance of £2,000 per annum to be paid in relation to the Authority's Board Director on the South-East Fire and Rescue Control Centre Limited.

62 APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT MEMBERS TO SERVE ON HFRA - STANDARDS COMMITTEE

The Authority noted that the term of office of the independent members presently serving on the Authority's Standards Committee is for four years and is due to expire in February, 2010. In response to this, adverts had been placed in local newspapers within the Authority's area seeking interested persons to the role for the next four year term.

To facilitate the process, the Authority gave their approval to the Standards Committee at its next meeting on 18 December, 2009 appointing a Selection Panel comprising of 4 elected members (2 Conservative, 1 Liberal Democrat and 1 Labour) to interview candidates short-listed by the Clerk. It was noted that interviews would take place in the early part of January 2010. The Selection Panel's recommendations for appointment would then be presented to the Authority's meeting on 10 February, 2010.

63 MINUTES OF THE PERFORMANCE REVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE - 14 SEPTEMBER, 2009

The Authority received the Minutes of the Performance Review and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 14 September, 2009. (Item 15 in the Minute Book).

64 MINUTES OF THE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE - 24 SEPTEMBER, AND 20 NOVEMBER, 2009

The Authority received the Minutes of the Governance Committee meetings held on 24 September and 20 November, 2009 (Item 16(i) and 16(ii) in the Minute Book).

65 MINUTES OF THE STANDARDS COMMITTEE - 1 OCTOBER, 2009

The Authority received the Minutes of the Standards Committee meeting held on 1 October, 2009 (Item 17 in the Minute Book).

66 MINUTES OF THE FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE - 29 OCTOBER, 2009

The Authority received the non-exempt Minutes of the Finance and General Purposes Committee meeting held on 29 October, 2009 (Item 18 in the Minute Book).

67 MINUTES OF THE HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE - 26 NOVEMBER, 2009

The Authority received the Minutes of the Human Resources Committee meetings held on 26 November 2009 (Item 19 in the Minute Book). With regard to Establishment (Minute 17 refers), it was reported that the last sentence of this Minute should read "The Two Green Book (and not "Grey Book") Director posts are recorded separately". Also, in relation to the Principal Officers' "Pay Review" it was agreed that in future years the item should be a recommendation to the Authority rather than a resolved committee item.

68 APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO CONFERENCES - FIRE AND RESCUE CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION - 29 AND 30 JUNE, 2010 AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION 6 TO 8 JULY, 2010

The Authority considered the appointment of Members to attend the Fire and Rescue Conference and Exhibition entitled "Leading a lean and effective fire service" - 29 and 30 June, 2010 in Harrogate and a Local Government Association Annual Conference and Exhibition entitled "changing times, changing minds" - 6 to 8 July, 2010 in Bournemouth.

RESOLVED:

(a) That Councillor R. Price be appointed as the Liberal Democrat Member to attend the Fire and Rescue Conference and Exhibition in June, 2010 and that Councillor D. Harrison be appointed as this Group's representative at the LGA Annual Conference and Exhibition in July, 2010.


(b) That the Chief Officer in consultation with the Chairman of the Authority, agree the other places at the two Conferences.

69 EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC

RESOLVED:

That the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business, as it was likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the public were present during this item, there would be disclosable to them of exempt information within Paragraph 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, and further that, in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information, for the reasons set out in the report.

70 MINUTES OF FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE - 29 OCTOBER, 2009 - EXEMPT RECOMMENDATION ON VEHICLE REPLACEMENT PROGRAMME

The Authority considered the exempt Minute and recommendation about the vehicle replacement programme.

RESOLVED:

That, subject to the approval of the capital programme by the Authority at its budget meeting in February, 2010, the vehicle replacement programme for the three years 2010/11 to 2012/13 was set out in the exempt report, be approved.

4gM1151209