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, 8th October 2024
10:30 AM
Tuesday, 8th October 2024
10:30 AM
End:
Tuesday, 8th October 2024
2:30 PM
Tuesday, 8th October 2024
2:30 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
08 Oct 2024
08 Oct 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 Karen Lucioni
Liberal Democrat, Independent and Labour Group for HIWFRA (Isle of Wight Council)
Apologies
Committee Member
Councillor George Madgwick
Liberal Democrat, Independent and Labour Group for HIWFRA (Portsmouth City Council)
Apologies
Agenda
1
Apologies for Absence
To receive any apologies for absence.
Minutes
Apologies were received from Councillors Fran Carpenter, Karen Lucioni, George Madgwick and Roger Price.
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 16 July 2024.
Attachments:
- Document Draft Minutes 30 Sep 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 shared that the UKRO Festival of Rescue had taken place on the 26-28 September, with competitors from 28 difference services.
Cosham Fire and Police Station had been formally opened on 4 September, whch boasted improved training facilities and separate clean and dirty zones for managing contaminants.
The Chairman announced that two updated fire engines that had been withdrawn from service in July had arrived in Tanzania as part of the FireAid scheme, and would conitnue to be used too save lives there.
It was further shared that Ryde on-call firefighters had joined the partnership effort to respond to cardiac arrest calls on the island, working alongside The Isle of Wight NHS Trust Ambulance Service as part of the HIWFRA Cardiac Arrest Responders.
Finally, the Chairman confirmed that the findings into the inquiry of the Grenfell Tower Fire had been published on 4 September and officers were carefully reviewing recommendations to see where further improvements could be made in the interest of the safety of the community. A report would go to the Full Authority in due course.
Cosham Fire and Police Station had been formally opened on 4 September, whch boasted improved training facilities and separate clean and dirty zones for managing contaminants.
The Chairman announced that two updated fire engines that had been withdrawn from service in July had arrived in Tanzania as part of the FireAid scheme, and would conitnue to be used too save lives there.
It was further shared that Ryde on-call firefighters had joined the partnership effort to respond to cardiac arrest calls on the island, working alongside The Isle of Wight NHS Trust Ambulance Service as part of the HIWFRA Cardiac Arrest Responders.
Finally, the Chairman confirmed that the findings into the inquiry of the Grenfell Tower Fire had been published on 4 September and officers were carefully reviewing recommendations to see where further improvements could be made in the interest of the safety of the community. A report would go to the Full Authority in due course.
6
Member developments
To receive any updates from Members of the Authority.
Minutes
Members provided the following updates:
- Councillor Zoe Huggins had attended the HMS Warrior dinner and thanked officers for their work on the event. In her Children and Young People role capacity, Councillor Huggins had met with officers to discuss prevent measures and early intervention work.
- Councillor Sally Goodfellow had attended the opening of the Cosham Fire & Police Station on the 4 September, along with Botley Fire Station open day on the 8 September. Councillor goodfellow had also attended the HMS Warrior dinner on the 27 September.
- Councillor David Harrison had attended a Community Safety visit in Newcastle and was encouraged by the number of defibrillators being rolled out. Councillor Harrison also highlighted a consultation that was due to start on the Safety Plan.
- Councillor Stephen Parker had attended the Cosham Fire & Police Station opening and had been impressed by the training facilities there. Councillor Parker had also attended the HMS Warrior dinner.
- Councillor David Drew had attended the HMS Warrior dinner, the Cosham Fire & Police Station opening and was planning an Air Ambulance visit to look at future anticipated work.
- Councillor Derek Mellor had attended the HMS Warrior dinner and the Cosham Fire & Police Station open day.
- Councillor Zoe Huggins had attended the HMS Warrior dinner and thanked officers for their work on the event. In her Children and Young People role capacity, Councillor Huggins had met with officers to discuss prevent measures and early intervention work.
- Councillor Sally Goodfellow had attended the opening of the Cosham Fire & Police Station on the 4 September, along with Botley Fire Station open day on the 8 September. Councillor goodfellow had also attended the HMS Warrior dinner on the 27 September.
- Councillor David Harrison had attended a Community Safety visit in Newcastle and was encouraged by the number of defibrillators being rolled out. Councillor Harrison also highlighted a consultation that was due to start on the Safety Plan.
- Councillor Stephen Parker had attended the Cosham Fire & Police Station opening and had been impressed by the training facilities there. Councillor Parker had also attended the HMS Warrior dinner.
- Councillor David Drew had attended the HMS Warrior dinner, the Cosham Fire & Police Station opening and was planning an Air Ambulance visit to look at future anticipated work.
- Councillor Derek Mellor had attended the HMS Warrior dinner and the Cosham Fire & Police Station open day.
7
SAFETY PLAN: CHANGES TO YEAR 5 ACTIVITIES AND APPROVAL TO CONSULT 2025-30 PLAN
To consider a report from the Chief Fire Officer, which seeks Fire Authority approval to change one of the previously agreed Year 5 activities and publicly consult on proposals for the next Safety Plan covering the period 2025-30.
Attachments:
- Document Report 30 Sep 2024
- Document APPENDIX A 30 Sep 2024
- Document APPENDIX B 30 Sep 2024
Minutes
The Authority considered a report from the Chief Fire Officer (item 7 in the minute book) which sought approval to change one of the previously agreed Year 5 activities and publicly consult on the proposals for the next Safety Plan covering the period 2025-30.
The report was summarised, with recent activities highlighted in section 7 and it was confirmed that the consultation was due to be live the following day, ending in December.
During questions of the officers, Members heard that:
- Connections with hard to reach groups continued to be developed.
- Sharing the estate and facilities with partners where available was important for generating income.
- Progress on the consultation would be shared at APAG.
RESOLVED
a) It was agreed that deliverable (c) in the Year 5 activities be changed to:“deliver in-year efficiencies and identify and implement where possible saving options”by the HIWFRA Full Authority.
b) Work to produce the Fire Authority’s next Safety Plan was noted and the approach to consult was approved by the HIWFRA Full Authority.
The report was summarised, with recent activities highlighted in section 7 and it was confirmed that the consultation was due to be live the following day, ending in December.
During questions of the officers, Members heard that:
- Connections with hard to reach groups continued to be developed.
- Sharing the estate and facilities with partners where available was important for generating income.
- Progress on the consultation would be shared at APAG.
RESOLVED
a) It was agreed that deliverable (c) in the Year 5 activities be changed to:“deliver in-year efficiencies and identify and implement where possible saving options”by the HIWFRA Full Authority.
b) Work to produce the Fire Authority’s next Safety Plan was noted and the approach to consult was approved by the HIWFRA Full Authority.
8
QUARTER 1 BUDGET UPDATE REPORT
To consider a report from the Chief Financial Officer, which sets out the quarter one forecast position for the Authority and provides financial updates following the Budget Report in February 2024.
Attachments:
- Document Report 30 Sep 2024
- Document Appendix A1 30 Sep 2024
- Document Appendix B 30 Sep 2024
Minutes
The Authority considered a report from the Chief Financial Officer (item 8 in the minute book) which set out the quarter one forecast position for the Authority and provided financial updates following the Budget Report in February 2024.
The report was summarised, and section 8 was highlighted, depicting the overall monitoring position and confirming that the forecast position for the Authority in 2024/25 was an underspend of £802,000.
During questions of the report, Members heard:
- A one-year settlement was anticipated again for 2024-25, but officers hoped that a three-year settlement would return in 2025, making planning much easier and allowing better strategising.
- The Chairman and Chief Fire Officer had written to the new Central Government summarising previous requests on behalf of the Service.
- The Chief Finance Officer reassured Members that the Fire Service was sustainable and would continue to commit to reserves. Prudent assumptions were made and were often a ‘worst case’ scenario.
Members asked whether more detail could be provided on the reserves in future reports, with more narrative around the general fund and commitments. It was agreed that this would be looked into by officers.
RESOLVED
a) The forecast outturn position for financial year 2024/25 was noted by the HIWFRA Full Authority
b) The updated capital programme forecasts (appendices A1 and A2) were approved by the HIWFRA Full Authority
c) That the quarterly prudential indicators (appendix B) be noted by the HIWFRA Full Authority
d) The quarterly treasury management update report including the treasury management indicators (appendix C) was noted by the HIWFRA Full Authority
The report was summarised, and section 8 was highlighted, depicting the overall monitoring position and confirming that the forecast position for the Authority in 2024/25 was an underspend of £802,000.
During questions of the report, Members heard:
- A one-year settlement was anticipated again for 2024-25, but officers hoped that a three-year settlement would return in 2025, making planning much easier and allowing better strategising.
- The Chairman and Chief Fire Officer had written to the new Central Government summarising previous requests on behalf of the Service.
- The Chief Finance Officer reassured Members that the Fire Service was sustainable and would continue to commit to reserves. Prudent assumptions were made and were often a ‘worst case’ scenario.
Members asked whether more detail could be provided on the reserves in future reports, with more narrative around the general fund and commitments. It was agreed that this would be looked into by officers.
RESOLVED
a) The forecast outturn position for financial year 2024/25 was noted by the HIWFRA Full Authority
b) The updated capital programme forecasts (appendices A1 and A2) were approved by the HIWFRA Full Authority
c) That the quarterly prudential indicators (appendix B) be noted by the HIWFRA Full Authority
d) The quarterly treasury management update report including the treasury management indicators (appendix C) was noted by the HIWFRA Full Authority
9
CHIEF FIRE OFFICER APPOINTMENT COMMITTEE
To consider a report of the Monitoring Officer, which seeks approval for and appointment to an HIWFRA Appointments Committee to oversee and implement the recruitment strategy for the post of Chief Fire Officer. If required, the Appointments Committee will also oversee the recruitment strategy for a Deputy Chief Fire Officer.
Attachments:
- Document Report 30 Sep 2024
Minutes
The Authority considered a report from the Monitoring Officer (item 9 in the minute book), which sought approval for and appointment to an HIWFRA Appointments Committee to oversee and implement the recruitment strategy for the post of Chief Fire Officer, along with the Deputy Chief Fire Officer if necessary.
The Monitoring Officer summarised the report, and emphasised that all Members of the Authority would be kept up to date on progress and have opportunity to be involved in the process.
RESOLVED
a) The Authority approved establishment of an Appointment Committee, in accordance with the terms of reference at Appendix A.
b) The Authority delegated responsibility for devising and implementing a recruitment process and appointing a new Chief Fire Officer and/or Deputy Chief Fire Officer to the Appointment Committee.
c) The Authority approved the terms of reference for the Appointment Committee as set out at Appendix A and appointed 5 members to the committee as follows:
Councillor Rhydian Vaughan (Chairman)
Councillor Zoe Huggins
Councillor David Drew
Councillor Roger Price
Councillor Sally Goodfellow
The Monitoring Officer summarised the report, and emphasised that all Members of the Authority would be kept up to date on progress and have opportunity to be involved in the process.
RESOLVED
a) The Authority approved establishment of an Appointment Committee, in accordance with the terms of reference at Appendix A.
b) The Authority delegated responsibility for devising and implementing a recruitment process and appointing a new Chief Fire Officer and/or Deputy Chief Fire Officer to the Appointment Committee.
c) The Authority approved the terms of reference for the Appointment Committee as set out at Appendix A and appointed 5 members to the committee as follows:
Councillor Rhydian Vaughan (Chairman)
Councillor Zoe Huggins
Councillor David Drew
Councillor Roger Price
Councillor Sally Goodfellow
10
MINUTES FROM THE STANDARD & GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE - 25 JULY 2024
To receive the minutes from the Standards & Governance Committee that took place on 25 July 2024 and approve a recommendation to implement the changes to the Committee as detailed in paragraph 11 of the attached report.
Attachments:
- Document Minutes 30 Sep 2024
- Document S&G Report 30 Sep 2024
- Document Appendix A 30 Sep 2024
- Document Appendix B 30 Sep 2024
- Document Appendix C 30 Sep 2024
- Document Appendix D 30 Sep 2024
Minutes
The Authority considered the minutes and a recommendation from the Standards and Governance Committee that took place in July 2024.
Members were happy with the recommendation and there were no questions.
RESOLVED
The Authority approved the proposed changes as listed in section 11 of the Standards and Governance on CIPFA guidance as follows:
a) The Standards and Governance Committee be reconstituted as the Audit and Governance Committee in accordance with the recommended practice stated in the CIPFA Position Statement on Audit Committees in Local Authorities and Police 2022, with revised terms of reference which align to the Position Statement and set out its core functions.
b) An Audit and Governance Committee specific induction is carried out for all members appointed to the Committee after the AGM in June 2024. This training, although specific to the Committee members, will be open to all Authority members. Following this, a training needs analysis will be completed on an annual basis to ensure further training is provided to fill any gaps.
c) An annual meeting is held between the Chairman of the Committee and the External Auditor.
d) An annual evaluation by the Committee is conducted of its effectiveness to provide assurance that it fulfils its purpose and can demonstrate its impact, the outcomes, of which are reported to the Full Authority annually. The report, which should include any planned improvements, should be timed to support the annual governance cycle and the preparation of the Annual Governance Statement.
e) The Audit and Governance Committee determine the rationale and benefits and review whether an Independent Member should be co-opted onto the Committee.
Members were happy with the recommendation and there were no questions.
RESOLVED
The Authority approved the proposed changes as listed in section 11 of the Standards and Governance on CIPFA guidance as follows:
a) The Standards and Governance Committee be reconstituted as the Audit and Governance Committee in accordance with the recommended practice stated in the CIPFA Position Statement on Audit Committees in Local Authorities and Police 2022, with revised terms of reference which align to the Position Statement and set out its core functions.
b) An Audit and Governance Committee specific induction is carried out for all members appointed to the Committee after the AGM in June 2024. This training, although specific to the Committee members, will be open to all Authority members. Following this, a training needs analysis will be completed on an annual basis to ensure further training is provided to fill any gaps.
c) An annual meeting is held between the Chairman of the Committee and the External Auditor.
d) An annual evaluation by the Committee is conducted of its effectiveness to provide assurance that it fulfils its purpose and can demonstrate its impact, the outcomes, of which are reported to the Full Authority annually. The report, which should include any planned improvements, should be timed to support the annual governance cycle and the preparation of the Annual Governance Statement.
e) The Audit and Governance Committee determine the rationale and benefits and review whether an Independent Member should be co-opted onto the Committee.
11
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 Paragraphs 3 and 4 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 Paragraphs 3 and 4 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.
12
QUARTER 1 BUDGET UPDATE REPORT - EXEMPT APPENDIX
An exempt appendix for agenda item 8, Quarter 1 Budget Update Report.
Attachments:
- Document Exempt Appendix A2 30 Sep 2024
Minutes
This appendix (item 12 in the minute book) was considered and approved as part of item 8 on the agenda.
13
ESTATES CAPITAL UPDATE
To consider an exempt report from the Chief Fire Officer regarding an estates update.
Attachments:
- Document Exempt Report 30 Sep 2024
Minutes
The Authority considered a report from the Chief Fire Officer (item 13 in the minute book) with an Estates Capital update [SEE EXEMPT MINUTE]
14
EXEMPT MINUTES FROM FULL AUTHORITY ON 16 JULY 2024
Attachments:
- Document EXEMPT Draft Minutes 30 Sep 2024
Minutes
The exempt minutes from the previous meeting were reviewed and agreed.
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