Agenda and minutes

Standing item.

The Chair welcomed members to the meeting which had been adjourned from Monday 15 December 2025 as the meeting was not quorate, as there was no representative from one of the constituent authorities.

County Councillor D Howarth left the meeting at 10:33.

The Chair expressed his thanks to members that had travelled to London to lobby the Fire Minister, Samantha Dixon and Lancashire MP’s in relation to the fair funding review and funding for fire authorities. He acknowledged the cross-party working relationships and expressed his ambition to maintain cross-party working. He added that he would continue campaigning activities for central government to recognise the work of fire services in relation to flooding and lobby for funding for flooding activities.

Apologies were received from County Councillors U Arif and S Asghar and Councillors G Baker and Z Khan.

Members are asked to consider any pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests they may have to disclose to the meeting in relation to matters under consideration on the Agenda.

None received.

County Councillor D Howarth rejoined the meeting at 10:39.

It was noted that County Councillor E Worthington was missed off the list of attendees at the previous meeting, this had been corrected in the minutes.

The Chair provided an update in relation to the motion that was passed at the previous meeting, lobbying had been undertaken in London and would continue.

Resolved: That the Minutes of the CFA held on 15 September 2025 be confirmed and signed by the Chair.

The Chair of Performance Committee, County Councillor E Worthington remarked that she was honoured to chair the Performance Committee and thanked officers for their experience and guidance. She drew members attention to the staff survey engagement and increased number of responses and commended the Comms Team on this increase. She advised that she had experience within research teams and would be willing to provide support.

County Councillor E Worthington also commented that Performance had improved and informed members that there had recently been an a-political meeting to discuss funding suggestions which was very beneficial.

The Chair added that there had been an increase in wildfire and flooding activities and on behalf of the authority passed his congratulations on to Prevention Support Officer Paul Slee on his recent award for Water Safety.

Resolved: That the proceedings of the Performance Committee held on 3 September 2025 be noted and endorsed.

The Chair of Resources Committee, County Councillor A Ali summarised discussions in relation to the revenue budget and future developments and referenced the recent lobbying. He emphasised the importance of effective lobbying at the right time and in the right place. He advised that he and the vice-chair of Resources Committee had signed off a number of tender processes for equipment and advised he was happy to answer any questions relating to these.

Resolved: That the proceedings of the Resources Committee held on 24 September 2025 be noted and endorsed.

County Councillor M Ritson commented that it had been discussed at the working group that there had been a number of meeting clashes with fire authority and Lancashire County Council (LCC) meetings, and although Democratic Services now had access to the LCC meeting calendar there had been a further clash. The Member Services Manager advised that the further clash had been a pre-arranged 2025 meeting and going forward into 2026 there should be no further clashes. She asked that should any further clashes be identified these be brought to the attention of Democratic Services.

Resolved: That the proceedings of the Member Training and Development Working Group held on 23 October 2025 be noted and endorsed.

The Chair of Planning Committee, County Councillor I Duxbury drew members attention to the Strategic Assessment of Risk and discussed innovative ways that services were responding to electric vehicle fires, including using large skips filled with water to submerge vehicles. The Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO) explained that responding to electric vehicle fires was discussed by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) as it was a national issue. Lancashire was trialling the use of fire blankets for use on electric vehicles and worked closely with partners to ensure road safety. He advised that there were challenges in relation to reignition of electric vehicle battery fires.

County Councillor I Duxbury added that Planning Committee had also received an update in relation to Business Continuity Planning and identified that business continuity was identified at the recent His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) inspection as an area of significant improvement. He also explained that the Planning Committee had reviewed the Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) and service review timeline.

Resolved: That the proceedings of the Planning Committee held on 17 November 2025 be noted and endorsed.

Resolved: That the proceedings of the Resources Committee held on 26 November 2025 be noted and endorsed.

Councillor J Hugo left the meeting at 10:55.

The Clerk to the Authority presented the report to members.

The Authority last reviewed the terms of reference of the Strategy Group on 15 September 2025, members were asked to consider some further minor additions to the Terms of Reference of the Strategy Group to reflect the need for confidentiality of those discussions, which was essential to maintain the efficacy and usefulness of the dialogues within the Group and the continued efficacy, efficiency and effectiveness of the Service and its changing needs and obligations.

Councillor J Hugo rejoined the meeting at 10:57.

County Councillor M Clifford requested that a vote be taken and it was unanimously voted to approve the proposed amendments.

Resolved: - That the Authority approved the amendments to the Terms of Reference for Strategy Group.

The Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO) presented the report to members and advised that the draft timeline had been approved by the Planning Committee.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service's (LFRS’s) Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) was a five-year plan for how the service would make Lancashire safer. The service had started work on the next CRMP, which would set out the direction of the Service from 2027 to 2032, based on the greatest risks to the people and communities of Lancashire.

The environment LFRS operated within was constantly changing and new risks to communities frequently emerged. It was LFRS’s job to make sure it was equipped to deal with these changing risks by adapting services and skills to prevent, protect and respond effectively.

To help shape the CRMP and options for how LFRS delivered services in the future, the service wanted to engage and consult with a wide range of stakeholders in two phases. This report detailed plans for phase one of consultation.

From week commencing 12 January to 15 March 2026, LFRS would explain the challenges and drivers for change and invite views on its proposed direction of travel. Phase one would allow the service to listen and learn about community and workforce priorities, before drafting its CRMP and developing options for how services may be delivered in the future. There would then be a second phase of consultation in more detail.

Key challenges and drivers for change were;

• Changing risk: risks changed over time, differed by area and demographic, and needed different interventions to reduce the likelihood of happening or to lessen the consequences.
• Changing demand: the number and types of fires attended had gone down and the types of emergencies responded to had changed, with incidents such as assisting other agencies on the rise, and the challenges of dealing with climate change in respect of flooding and wildfire increasing.
• Fire engine availability: the number of fire engines available fluctuated during each day and the lowest availability was often when demand was highest, particularly in rural areas where on-call firefighter availability was reduced due to recruitment and retention challenges. LFRS wanted to balance this to a sustainable model that provided more resources when demand was highest.
• Lancashire’s population: the makeup of communities was changing and more vulnerable people required tailored prevention support.
• Budget pressures: income had not kept pace with rising costs and future funding was uncertain, requiring efficiency savings to ensure financial sustainability.
• LFRS buildings: many fire stations were outdated and not fit for modern operational needs, maintenance costs were increasing and vital investment was needed.
• Technology and innovation: there were opportunities to modernise the types of vehicles used and how LFRS got the right skilled people and equipment to incidents as quickly and safely as possible.
• Future investment: as a high performing fire and rescue service, LFRS needed to continually invest in people, systems, and assets to deliver the best possible services.

Potential areas for change were identified  ...  view the full minutes text for item 50-25/26

The Clerk presented the report to members.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) was undertaking a review of internal and external governance to ensure oversight and scrutiny arrangements remained effective and efficient at keeping the public safe from fire and other risks. This would involve codifying and updating existing authority procedures as set out in its constitution, scheme of delegation and standing orders. At the same time, arrangements would be reviewed against best practice, such as the Local Government Association’s Improvement and Assurance Framework, and external assurance would be sought.

There were several drivers for the review including the introduction by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) of a new assessment of how each fire and rescue service was affected by its authority’s governance. Policy and legislation changes were also planned such as the government’s plans for strengthening the standards and conduct framework for local authorities in England.

The authority was asked to establish a member working group to work with officers to conduct this review ahead of any changes being brought to the authority for approval. As the working group would not have any decision-making powers, there was no requirement for there to be political balance.

The Clerk requested that nominations for members to join the working group be submitted to Democratic Services by Monday 19 January 2026 with membership to be confirmed the following week.

Councillor J Hugo suggested that if possible there should be a member included in the working group from each constituent authority. The Clerk agreed that this would be beneficial.

County Councillor M Clifford emphasised that governance would be a focus of the next HMICFRS inspection. He stated that he would be putting his name forward for the working group and suggested that where possible, meetings of the working group could be held after a committee meeting to assist with diary management.

The Chair explained that discussions were ongoing to repurpose Audit Committee into an Audit, Governance and Standards Committee. As the Chair of Audit Committee County Councillor M Clifford agreed with this approach and stated that the committee should encompass all aspects. The Clerk confirmed that a paper should be being brought to the February CFA meeting to request this change to Audit Committee.

Councillor J Hugo left the meeting at 11:25.

The CFO explained that it was proposed that the Governance Working Group meet monthly which would mean there may be some opportunities to hold the Working Group meeting after a committee meeting. He also explained that the Working Group would report directly into Audit Committee.

In response to a question from Councillor D Smith in relation to any future implementation of a mayoral model, the Clerk advised that should the Fire Authority fall under a Mayor in the future, they would still need a blueprint of governance for the authority. The CFO added that although the future was uncertain the service was reviewing constitutions from other services within a mayoral/ Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 51-25/26

The current Member Champions and their areas of responsibility were:

·         Community Safety – County Councillor Andy Blake

·         Equality, Diversity and Inclusion – Councillor Salim Sidat

·         Health and Wellbeing – County Councillor Sohail Asghar

·         Road Safety – County Councillor Jordan Fox.

Reports relating to the activity of the Member Champions were provided on a regular basis to the Authority. This report related to activity for the period up to 14 December 2025.

Member Champions highlighted several details within the reports and expressed thanks to the officers who supported them in their roles. 

Resolved: That the Authority noted and endorsed the report and acknowledged the work of the respective Champions.

The Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO) presented the report which summarised Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) prosecutions pertaining to fire safety offences under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety Order) 2005.

On the 26 September 2025 the prosecution of the Article 5(3) person under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (FSO) (Mr Rajeshkumar Chechani) was sentenced for breaches of the FSO for a residential care home in Thornton-Cleveleys. The initial inspection and further prohibition of the premises required forty-five residents to be relocated during the Covid-19 period to other care homes over a period of two weeks. This was due to substantial fire safety deficiencies being identified within the premises.

Mr Rajeshkumar Chechani was sentenced to 3 months imprisonment suspended for 12 months, given a £10,000 fine and LFRS were awarded £33,000 costs.

Three cases sat within the court system, the DCFO advised that since the report had been published there were amendments to the court dates listed. The responsible person for two Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO) premises,(located in Bacup and Darwen) pleaded guilty to breaches of the FSO on the 13 August 2025 at Preston Magistrates Court. A sentencing date had been adjourned until 30 January 2026 at Preston Crown Court.

An NHS Trust and maintenance company were due to appear at Blackburn Magistrates Court on the 1 October 2025. This hearing was adjourned until the 22 April 2026 at Preston Crown Court.

The responsible persons and a company were to appear at Blackburn Magistrates Court on the 18 February 2026 for breaches of the FSO relating to a nightclub venue.

Protection teams continue to investigate and build case files in relation to eleven other premises where offences are believed to have been committed under the FSO.

Members noted that there had been five arson convictions during the quarter.

The DCFO added that LFRS had been graded as outstanding for it’s protection work at the recent HMICFRS inspection.

County Councillor M Ritson left the meeting at 11:36.

In response to a question from County Councillor M Clifford in relation to the sentences received for arson convictions, the ACFO explained that the sentences received were a credit to AM Matt Hamer and his team. The CFO added that the sentences were granted in line with sentencing guidelines and the Clerk added that each case was judged independently and mitigating factors including a guilty plea could impact on the sentence received.

County Councillor M Ritson rejoined the meeting and County Councillor D Howarth left the meeting at 11:38.

The Chair requested that an item be taken to Performance Committee relating to arson cases and convictions.

Resolved: That the report be noted.

The Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) presented the report which provided Members with information relating to operational incidents of note. As the operational period had been very busy, the report detailed only the larger deployments or more complex incidents. As a result, some incidents that Members had been made aware of locally, may not have formed part of the report. Full details of the following incidents were provided in the report:

County Councillor D Howarth rejoined the meeting at 11:42.

• Residential building fire in Lancaster (26/8/25)
• Derelict commercial building fire in Preston (4/9/25)
• Domestic building fire in South Shore (7/9/25)
• Out of County Incident in West Yorkshire (9/9/25)
• Derelict building fire in Bacup (17/9/25)
• Sinkhole in Darwen (21/9/25)
• Derelict building fire in Blackpool (27/9/25)
• Commercial building fire in Fleetwood (28/9/25)
• Rescue from water in Blackburn (28/9/25)
• Fire in high rise building in Preston (27/10/25)

In response to a question from County Councillor M Ritson in relation to the out of county incident in West Yorkshire, the ACFO advised that the investigation into the cause of the incident was being managed by West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

County Councillor P Buckley left the meeting at 11:43.

In response to a question from County Councillor E Worthington in relation to the typical cause of a derelict building fire, the ACFO explained that although there was not a typical cause, derelict buildings were often left insecure. LFRS worked with building owners to ensure derelict buildings were boarded up appropriately. Area Manager (AM) Phil Jones added that the service worked with district councils to ensure properties were reboarded quickly, with the relevant council recharging the building owners with the cost.

County Councillor P Buckley rejoined the meeting at 11:46.

In response to a question from County Councillor R Walsh in relation to the effectiveness of utilising the second fire engine at two engine stations, the ACFO explained that the service was using resources effectively and performance was reported into the Performance Committee. The service continued to meet its response times and was satisfied it had enough resources to meet demand. County Councillor J Tetlow added that the response time for the first engine to arrive on scene was 5:50 minutes which was very quick. The ACFO added that this response time was comparable to times achieved by some metropolitan services.

Resolved: That the Authority noted and endorsed the report.

The ACFO introduced Station Manager (SM) Louis Davies who gave a presentation to members on the Sinkhole incident in Darwen on 21 September 2025.

The initial call was received at 07:20 with one fire engine, the station manager and drone team in attendance to work with the local authority to ensure the area was safe. Following a multi-agency meeting the service handed the incident back to the local authority at 12:30. The sink hole continued to develop and LFRS reattended at 17:20 and began to work with the mine remediation authority. A number of new hazards emerged including exposed live gas services to properties,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 54-25/26

The Assistant Director of Communication and Engagement (ADoCE) presented the report.

Following the Service’s annual staff celebration event on 20 November 2025, the report set out staff recognition activity and individuals celebrated for a variety of achievements in 2025. As part of the Service’s staff recognition activity, more than 50 people were honoured with Long Service Good Conduct Awards, Star Awards, Chief Fire Officer's Commendations, Bravery Awards, Academic Achievements and Humanitarian Medals. Details of all award recipients were included within the report within the agenda pack.

The Chair suggested that a round of applause be given for all who had received an award.

Resolved: That the Authority noted and endorsed the report and acknowledged the achievements of award recipients.

Standing item.

The Monitoring Officer confirmed that there had been no complaints since the last meeting.

County Councillor A Riggott requested that this item be renamed to allow an opportunity for members to give positive feedback, this was unanimously agreed.

County Councillor A Riggott expressed his thanks to Station Manager Adam Baron, Community Fire Safety Team Leader Rachel Ditchfield and all at Chorley Fire Station who had facilitated his recent visit.

Resolved: That the current position be noted.

The next meeting of the Authority will be held on Monday 23 February 2026 at 1030 hours at Washington Hall, Leadership and Development Centre, Euxton.

The next meeting of the Authority would be held on Monday 23 February 2026 at 10:30am at the Training Centre, Euxton.

The Authority is asked to consider whether, under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, they consider that the public should be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items of business on the grounds that there would be a likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in the appropriate paragraph of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, indicated under the heading to the item.

Resolved: That the press and members of the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items of business on the grounds that there would be a likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in the appropriate paragraph of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, indicated under the heading to the item.

(Paragraph 3)

Resolved: That the proceedings of the Strategy Group held on 3 November 2025 be noted and endorsed.