Hampshire County Council
Councillors:
78
Wards:
76
Committees:
49
Meetings (2025):
165
Meetings (2024):
156
Meeting
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority - Hampshire
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Tuesday, 16th July 2024
10:30 AM
Tuesday, 16th July 2024
10:30 AM
End:
Tuesday, 16th July 2024
2:30 PM
Tuesday, 16th July 2024
2:30 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
16 Jul 2024
16 Jul 2024
Location:
Room X - Hampshire & IOW Fire & Police HQ, Eastleigh
Room X - Hampshire & IOW Fire & Police HQ, Eastleigh
Meeting Attendees
Committee Member
Councillor Sally Goodfellow
Liberal Democrat, Independent and Labour for HIWFRA (Southampton City Council)
Present, as expected
Committee Member
Councillor George Madgwick
Liberal Democrat, Independent and Labour Group for HIWFRA (Portsmouth City Council)
Present, as expected
Committee Member
Councillor Karen Lucioni
Liberal Democrat, Independent and Labour Group for HIWFRA (Isle of Wight Council)
Present, as expected
Agenda
1
Apologies for Absence
To receive any apologies for absence.
Minutes
All Councillors were present, but apologies were received from Donna Jones, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
2
Declarations of Interest
To enable Members to disclose to the meeting any disclosable pecuniary interest they may have in any matter on the agenda for the meeting, where that interest is not already entered in the Authority’s register of interests, and any other pecuniary or non-pecuniary interests in any such matter that Members may wish to disclose.
Minutes
Members were mindful to disclose to the meeting any disclosable pecuniary interest they may have in any matter on the agenda for the meeting, where that interest was not already entered in the Authority’s register of interests, along with any other pecuniary or non-pecuniary interests in any such matter that Members wished to disclose.
3
Minutes of Previous Meeting
To approve the open minutes from the Full Authority meeting that took place on 24 June 2024.
Attachments:
- Document Minutes of Previous Meeting 08 Jul 2024
Minutes
The minutes of the last meeting were reviewed and agreed.
4
Deputations
Pursuant to Standing Order 19, to receive any deputations to this meeting
Minutes
There were no deputations for the meeting.
5
Chairman's Announcements
To receive any announcements the Chairman may wish to make.
Minutes
The Chairman confirmed the sad passing of former Hampshire Fire & Rescue Authority Member, Michael Cartwright and sent condolences to family and friends on behalf of the Full Authority.
6
Member developments
To receive any updates from Members of the Authority.
Minutes
Members provided the following updates:
- Councillor Fran Carpenter had attended the Ringwood cadets graduation ceremony on the 12 July.
- Councillor Sally Goodfellow had attended the Sandown Fire Station Passing Out Parade on a visit to the Isle of Wight and also attended Ryde and Newport Fire Stations.
- Councillor Stephen Parker had attended a Passing Out parade in Gosport.
- Councillor Karen Lucioni thanked staff at East Cowes who had assisted with a recent incident.
- Councillor Derek Mellor had attended a cadet graduation at Rushmoor and visited the Tadley Fire Station open day.
- Councillor Zoe Huggins had attended Passing Out parade in Gosport and planned to attend another upcoming parade in Southampton on the 2 August. Councillor Huggins also confirmed that the first Prince’s Trust event at Waterlooville was scheduled for the 25 July 2024.
- Councillor David Harrison shared that he planned to attend the LGA Fire Leadership course in Warwick in the autumn.
The Chairman confirmed that following a review of the Member Champion roles, Members were invited to provide an update on work undertaken as part of their role at the next Full Authority meeting.
- Councillor Fran Carpenter had attended the Ringwood cadets graduation ceremony on the 12 July.
- Councillor Sally Goodfellow had attended the Sandown Fire Station Passing Out Parade on a visit to the Isle of Wight and also attended Ryde and Newport Fire Stations.
- Councillor Stephen Parker had attended a Passing Out parade in Gosport.
- Councillor Karen Lucioni thanked staff at East Cowes who had assisted with a recent incident.
- Councillor Derek Mellor had attended a cadet graduation at Rushmoor and visited the Tadley Fire Station open day.
- Councillor Zoe Huggins had attended Passing Out parade in Gosport and planned to attend another upcoming parade in Southampton on the 2 August. Councillor Huggins also confirmed that the first Prince’s Trust event at Waterlooville was scheduled for the 25 July 2024.
- Councillor David Harrison shared that he planned to attend the LGA Fire Leadership course in Warwick in the autumn.
The Chairman confirmed that following a review of the Member Champion roles, Members were invited to provide an update on work undertaken as part of their role at the next Full Authority meeting.
7
Modern Slavery Statement
To consider a report from the Chief Fire Officer, which seeks approval of the Authority’s Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority (HIWFRA) Modern Slavery statement for subsequent publishing on the Authority’s website and the Government’s Registry.
Attachments:
- Document Report 08 Jul 2024
- Document Appendix A 08 Jul 2024
Minutes
The Authority considered a report from the Chief Fire Officer (item 7 in the minute book) regarding the Slavery and Human Trafficking statement that was required to be published on an annual basis.
Following a summary of the report, it was confirmed that 3SFire CIC would be expected to have a separate submission rather than be included as part of the Fire Authority’s publication.
It was highlighted that assurance was provided on pages 20 and 22 of the pack with regards to supplier contracts, the conditions of which varied depending on the contract. The Authority rarely learned of outcomes of reports made and so was not able to confirm how many had been successful, but those that had been identified would be included in the 2025 report.
It was also confirmed that any changes or updates to the Statement would be shown in the 2025 report to the Authority.
RESOLVED
The Modern Slavery Statement at Appendix A was approved by the HIWFRA Full Authority for publication on the Service’s website.
Following a summary of the report, it was confirmed that 3SFire CIC would be expected to have a separate submission rather than be included as part of the Fire Authority’s publication.
It was highlighted that assurance was provided on pages 20 and 22 of the pack with regards to supplier contracts, the conditions of which varied depending on the contract. The Authority rarely learned of outcomes of reports made and so was not able to confirm how many had been successful, but those that had been identified would be included in the 2025 report.
It was also confirmed that any changes or updates to the Statement would be shown in the 2025 report to the Authority.
RESOLVED
The Modern Slavery Statement at Appendix A was approved by the HIWFRA Full Authority for publication on the Service’s website.
8
Property Matters
To receive a report from the Chief Fire Officer, which summarises property related matters where action has already been taken under delegated authority.
Attachments:
- Document Report 08 Jul 2024
Minutes
The Authority received a report from the Chief Fire Officer (item 8 in the minute book), which summarised property related matters where action had already been taken under delegated authority.
It was confirmed that asset values were regularly reviewed, and Members requested that future reports include when contracts started and how far through the contract term the Authority was. It was confirmed this would be done where the information was available going forward.
Whilst the Blue Lamp Trust had representation of both the Fire Service and Fre Authority by the Chief Fire Officer, future Member involvement would be looked into and how this would work to benefit both Members and the Trust.
RESOLVED
The items set out in the report were noted by the HIWFRA Full Authority.
It was confirmed that asset values were regularly reviewed, and Members requested that future reports include when contracts started and how far through the contract term the Authority was. It was confirmed this would be done where the information was available going forward.
Whilst the Blue Lamp Trust had representation of both the Fire Service and Fre Authority by the Chief Fire Officer, future Member involvement would be looked into and how this would work to benefit both Members and the Trust.
RESOLVED
The items set out in the report were noted by the HIWFRA Full Authority.
9
Annual Statement of Equality & Equality Objectives
To consider a report from the Chief Fire Officer, which outlines HIWFRS’ commitment to diversity, equality and equity, emphasising the importance of creating an inclusive culture.
Minutes
The Authority considered a report from the Chief Fire Officer (item 9 in the minute book) outlining HIWFRS’ commitment to diversity, equality and equity, emphasising the importance of creating an inclusive culture and tracking progress against the four equality objectives, focusing on promoting inclusivity and supporting wellbeing.
Members were pleased to learn that support was increasing for staff that were neurodiverse and that assessments offered had been successful in offering diagnoses. It was suggested that an action be added around attracting a more neurodiverse workforce and officers agreed to look into this going forward.
Whilst it was acknowledged that work was continuing to make the Service more representative of those living in Hampshire, the Authority welcomed the Service being proactive in visiting and working with different communities to share the career opportunities.
Members debated the categories stated within the Statement and it was confirmed that those used had been supported by the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion network groups and were reflective of government language used.
RESOLVED
The Annual Statement of Equality and updated equality information was approved by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority for publication on the website.
Members were pleased to learn that support was increasing for staff that were neurodiverse and that assessments offered had been successful in offering diagnoses. It was suggested that an action be added around attracting a more neurodiverse workforce and officers agreed to look into this going forward.
Whilst it was acknowledged that work was continuing to make the Service more representative of those living in Hampshire, the Authority welcomed the Service being proactive in visiting and working with different communities to share the career opportunities.
Members debated the categories stated within the Statement and it was confirmed that those used had been supported by the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion network groups and were reflective of government language used.
RESOLVED
The Annual Statement of Equality and updated equality information was approved by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority for publication on the website.
10
HIWFRA Policies for Prevention, Protection and Response
To consider a report from the Chief Fire Officer, which seeks Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority (HIWFRA) approval of three HIWFRA Policies for Prevention, Protection, and Response.
Attachments:
- Document Report 08 Jul 2024
- Document Appendix A - Prevention 08 Jul 2024
- Document Appendix B - Protection 08 Jul 2024
- Document Appendx B1 - Fire Safety Advice 08 Jul 2024
- Document Appendix B2 - Sprinklers 08 Jul 2024
- Document Appendix B3 - Building Regulations, Planning & Legislation 08 Jul 2024
- Document Appendix B4 - Battery Energy Storage Systems 08 Jul 2024
- Document Appendix C - Response 08 Jul 2024
- Document Appendix C1 - Marine Incidents 08 Jul 2024
- Document Appendix C2 - UK International Search and Rescue 08 Jul 2024
Minutes
The Authority considered a report from the Chief Fire Officer (item 10 in the minute book) which sought approval of three HIWFRA Policies for Prevention, Protection, and Response.
Following a summary of the report and appendices, several amendments were put forward and unanimously supported by the Fire Authority as follows:
1. Page 101 – Appendix B1 (Position Statement for Fire Safety)
Section 2 heading to be corrected from ‘Authoritv’s Position’ to ‘Authority’s Position’
2. Page 101 – Appendix B1 (Position Statement for Fire Safety)
Change the word ‘reasonable’ to responsible’ to strengthen the language.
3. Page 105 – Appendix B2 (Position Statement for Sprinklers)
Under ‘Sprinklers in Schools’, the last sentence is to be removed (from “Any exceptions…” onwards).
4. Page 106 – Appendix B2 (Position Statement for Sprinklers)
The sentence ‘The risks to firefighters in large commercial buildings are substantial, due to the size and potential for rapid collapse of the building’ to be added to the ‘Sprinklers in High-Rise Buildings’ section as well as the ‘Sprinklers in Commercial Buildings’ section.
5. Page 107 – Appendix B2 (Position Statement for Sprinklers)
Under ‘Sprinklers in Domestic Premises’, it should be recommended that sprinklers are installed in new build housing for vulnerable people going forwards. It was also suggested that the penultimate paragraph be updated to read ‘We will recommend that sprinklers should be installed in the homes of those residents who are most vulnerable from a fire or have adapted housing and recommend a review and more work to seek the integration of sprinkler systems in new builds.’
With regards to the charging of e-scooters and e-bikes in homes, Trading Standards were working on issuing advice around unsafe leads and chargers being sold, which were a major cause in faults and fires.
RESOLVED
1. The Prevention Policy (Appendix A) was approved by the HIWFRA Full Authority for inclusion into the Authority’s Policy Framework.
2. That the Protection Policy (Appendix B) was approved by the HIWFRA Full Authority for inclusion into the Authority’s Policy Framework, along with the five amendments agreed as listed above.
3. The Response Policy (Appendix C) was approved by the HIWFRA Full Authority for inclusion into the Authority’s Policy Framework.
4. The Protection Policy Position Statement for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) (Appendix B4), was approved by the HIWFRA Full Authority for inclusion as part of the Authority’s Policy Framework.
5. The remaining Position Statements (Appendix B1, B2, B3, C1 and C2), that the Authority had previously approved, were noted by the HIWFRA Full Authority for inclusion as part of the Authority’s Policy Framework.
Following a summary of the report and appendices, several amendments were put forward and unanimously supported by the Fire Authority as follows:
1. Page 101 – Appendix B1 (Position Statement for Fire Safety)
Section 2 heading to be corrected from ‘Authoritv’s Position’ to ‘Authority’s Position’
2. Page 101 – Appendix B1 (Position Statement for Fire Safety)
Change the word ‘reasonable’ to responsible’ to strengthen the language.
3. Page 105 – Appendix B2 (Position Statement for Sprinklers)
Under ‘Sprinklers in Schools’, the last sentence is to be removed (from “Any exceptions…” onwards).
4. Page 106 – Appendix B2 (Position Statement for Sprinklers)
The sentence ‘The risks to firefighters in large commercial buildings are substantial, due to the size and potential for rapid collapse of the building’ to be added to the ‘Sprinklers in High-Rise Buildings’ section as well as the ‘Sprinklers in Commercial Buildings’ section.
5. Page 107 – Appendix B2 (Position Statement for Sprinklers)
Under ‘Sprinklers in Domestic Premises’, it should be recommended that sprinklers are installed in new build housing for vulnerable people going forwards. It was also suggested that the penultimate paragraph be updated to read ‘We will recommend that sprinklers should be installed in the homes of those residents who are most vulnerable from a fire or have adapted housing and recommend a review and more work to seek the integration of sprinkler systems in new builds.’
With regards to the charging of e-scooters and e-bikes in homes, Trading Standards were working on issuing advice around unsafe leads and chargers being sold, which were a major cause in faults and fires.
RESOLVED
1. The Prevention Policy (Appendix A) was approved by the HIWFRA Full Authority for inclusion into the Authority’s Policy Framework.
2. That the Protection Policy (Appendix B) was approved by the HIWFRA Full Authority for inclusion into the Authority’s Policy Framework, along with the five amendments agreed as listed above.
3. The Response Policy (Appendix C) was approved by the HIWFRA Full Authority for inclusion into the Authority’s Policy Framework.
4. The Protection Policy Position Statement for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) (Appendix B4), was approved by the HIWFRA Full Authority for inclusion as part of the Authority’s Policy Framework.
5. The remaining Position Statements (Appendix B1, B2, B3, C1 and C2), that the Authority had previously approved, were noted by the HIWFRA Full Authority for inclusion as part of the Authority’s Policy Framework.
11
Appointments to HIWFRA Firefighters' Pension Board
To consider a report that seeks approval for appointments to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Authority Firefighters’ Pension Board.
Attachments:
- Document Item 11 - Appointments to Firefighers' Pension Board 08 Jul 2024
Minutes
The Authority considered a report from the Chief Financial Officer (item 11 in the minute book), which sought approval for appointments to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Authority Firefighters’ Pension Board.
Members were happy with the proposals and there were no questions.
RESOLVED
1. The Authority considered the position in paragraph 6(a), and the appointment of Ant Westbrook as a Scheme Member Representative to the HIWFRA Firefighters’ Pension Board was approved by the HIWFRA Full Authority.
2. The Authority considered the position in paragraph (6b), and the appointment of Rob Sansome as an Employer Representative to the HIWFRA Firefighters’ Pension Board was approved by the HIWFRA Full Authority.
Members were happy with the proposals and there were no questions.
RESOLVED
1. The Authority considered the position in paragraph 6(a), and the appointment of Ant Westbrook as a Scheme Member Representative to the HIWFRA Firefighters’ Pension Board was approved by the HIWFRA Full Authority.
2. The Authority considered the position in paragraph (6b), and the appointment of Rob Sansome as an Employer Representative to the HIWFRA Firefighters’ Pension Board was approved by the HIWFRA Full Authority.
12
EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC
To resolve that the public be excluded from the meeting during the following items of business, as it is 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 these items there would be disclosure to them of exempt information within Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to 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 reports.
Minutes
It was agreed that the public be excluded from the meeting during the following items 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 these items there would be disclosure to them of exempt information within Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, and further that in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information, for the reasons set out in the reports.
13
East Cowes
To consider an exempt report regarding East Cowes.
Attachments:
- Document Item 13 - East Cowes 08 Jul 2024
Minutes
The Authority considered an exempt report from the Chief Fire Officer (item 13 the minute book) regarding East Cowes. SEE EXEMPT MINUTE
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