Lancashire Combined Fire Authority
Planning Committee
Meeting to be held on 6 February 2023
(Appendix 1 refers)
Contact for further information – Steve Healey, Deputy Chief Fire Officer
Tel: 01772 866801
Executive SummaryThe Authority has a consultation strategy which provides a framework through which it can seek public opinion on major change issues.
Each year the planning committee reviews the strategy (attached as appendix 1) to assure continued compliance with guidance or legislation and to incorporate learning from any public consultation exercises undertaken.
This year’s review concludes that the strategy continues to be legally compliant and in line with good practice.
RecommendationThe planning committee is asked to note and endorse the consultation strategy.
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Lancashire Combined Fire Authority’s consultation strategy has been in place since community risk management planning arrangements were introduced in 2003. It is reviewed on an annual basis.
The strategy has been reviewed and continues to be legally compliant and in line with good practice. It is in line with the National Fire Chiefs Council’s new guidance on stakeholder and public engagement in relation to community risk, published in 2022.
In our most recent inspection by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services, the report commented that the service had improved the way it communicates with the public and internal and external interested parties about its community risk management plan. The strategy was also implemented to good effect during the public consultation on the emergency cover review proposals in summer 2022.
Any requests to the Authority to consult with the public will be made as-and-when priorities identified in the annual service plan reach the point where this is required.
The consultation strategy provides the necessary framework to help the Authority ensure that the Service provides relevant stakeholders with the opportunity for a genuine exchange of views and to influence decisions, policies and services.
Effective consultation gives the Service better understanding of the needs of our communities and stakeholders, and helps to create services that are more closely aligned to those needs.
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The strategy sets out that equality impact assessments should be undertaken for all consultations. These assessments inform stakeholder analysis of who to involve and how; describe the positive and reasonable adjustments that may be made to reach groups of people with protected characteristics; and understand the barriers that may be encountered when trying to involve them.
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