Agenda and draft minutes

None received.

The Monitoring Officer invited nominations for the appointment of Chair for 2026-27. County Councillor U Arif proposed County Councillor G Mirfin which was seconded by County Councillor I Duxbury. No further nominations were received. The Monitoring Officer explained that the constitution stated that the vote would be by way of show of hands unless members wished for an alternative vote to be taken. County Councillor U Arif proposed that an anonymous vote be taken, this proposal was seconded by County Councillor A Ali, members voted by show of hands and this proposal was not carried.

Members voted by show of hands for the proposal of County Councillor G Mirfin to be Chair of the authority for 2026-27, 23 members voted in favour, 1 against and 1 abstained.

The motion was therefore carried and it was:

Resolved: That County Councillor G Mirfin be appointed Chair of the Combined Fire Authority for 2026-27.

At the request of the Chair, the Monitoring Officer invited nominations for the appointment of Vice-Chair for 2026-27. County Councillor G Mirfin proposed County Councillor L Parker which was seconded by County Councillor E Worthington. County Councillor A Ali proposed County Councillor U Arif which was seconded by Councillor S Sidat and County Councillor S Asghar proposed County Councillor I Duxbury which was seconded by County Councillor M Clifford. 

Following clarification of the voting process with members, the Monitoring Officer held a vote by way of show of hands with the third nomination; County Councillor I Duxbury taken first, 5 voted in favour, 2 against and 18 abstained. The Monitoring Officer then held a vote for the second nomination; County Councillor U Arif, 12 members voted in favour and 13 against. The Monitoring Officer then held a vote for the first nomination; County Councillor L Parker, 16 voted in favour and 9 against.

The motion was therefore carried and it was:

Resolved: That Country Councillor L Parker be appointed Vice-Chair of the Combined Fire Authority for 2026-27.

Standing item.

The Chair welcomed members to the meeting, he explained that due to the result of recent local elections in Blackburn with Darwen, Reform UK had gained a seat on the authority, he welcomed new members Councillor B Langford who had replaced Councillor D Smith and County Councillor A Joynes who had replaced County Councillor L Hutchinson.

The Chair remarked that it was important that the fire authority was kept politically neutral with members focussing on service delivery across Lancashire. He commented that there had been a number of large fires recently and acknowledged that this was a challenging time for the service due to budget pressures. He added that Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) was an exceptional fire and rescue service and was continuing to operate whilst resources were challenged. He added that the service and members would continue lobbying for additional funding where appropriate.

The Chair expressed his praise and gratitude to the former Vice-Chair County Councillor U Arif who he commented had done an exceptional job as Vice-Chair, he thanked County Councillor U Arif for his support over the past year.

County Councillor A Riggott expressed his congratulations to County Councillor G Mirfin and L Parker and thanked County Councillor U Arif for his work over the past year.

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.

County Councillor M Clifford declared a non-pecuniary interest as a Director of Cuerden Valley Park.

The Chair requested that new members ensure they had completed a register of interests form.

An amendment to the published report was noted, that County Councillor L Hutchinson had been replaced on the authority by County Councillor A Joynes.

Resolved: That the Composition approved by the 3 Constituent Authorities for 2026-27 for the Combined Fire Authority be noted and endorsed, and the new Members appointed for 2026-27 be welcomed.

The Monitoring Officer to the Authority presented the proposed Chairs and Vice- Chairs for the Authority's Committees and Working Groups. An amendment to the proposal was noted with Councillor J Hugo proposed as Chair of the Member Training and Development Working Group.

It was noted that the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Strategy Group were the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Authority.

In response to a question from County Councillor M Clifford in relation to the Chair of the authority also being the Vice-Chair of the Member Training and Development Working Group, the Monitoring Officer confirmed that there was no restriction in relation to this.

Resolved: That the following Members be appointed as Chairs and Vice-Chairs of Committees and Working Groups of the CFA for 2026-27:

Appeals Committee             Chair              County Councillor M Ritson

                                                Vice-Chair     County Councillor J Ash

Audit Committee                   Chair              County Councillor M Clifford

                                                Vice-Chair     County Councillor U Arif

Performance Committee     Chair             County Councillor E Worthington

                                                Vice-Chair     County Councillor J Tetlow

Planning Committee            Chair             County Councillor I Duxbury

                                                Vice-Chair     County Councillor R Walsh

Resources Committee         Chair              County Councillor A Ali

                                                Vice-Chair     County Councillor N Alderson

Member Training and                      Chair              Councillor J Hugo

Development Working Group        Vice-Chair     County Councillor G Mirfin

ii) That the Authority confirmed appointment of the following four Member Champions for 2026-27 as:-

•           Community Safety – County Councillor A Blake;

•           Equality, Diversity and Inclusion - Councillor S Sidat;

•           Health & Wellbeing - County Councillor S Asghar;

•           Road Safety – County Councillor J Ash.

The Authority was requested to determine its representation on outside bodies for the 2026-27 municipal year.

The report was moved by County Councillor A Ali and members voted in favour of the report.

Resolved:

i)          That County Councillor G Mirfin, Chair of the Authority be authorised to cast the Authority’s vote at the Local Government Association (LGA) Annual General Assembly;

ii)         That County Councillors G Mirfin and L Parker (as Chair and Vice-Chair of the Authority) be appointed to the Local Government Association Fire Commission;

iii)        That County Councillor G Mirfin, Chair of the Authority can authorise additional representation(s) to either the LGA Fire Commission or the Fire Services Management Committee as appropriate;

iv)        That County Councillors G Mirfin and L Parker (as Chair and Vice-Chair of the Authority) be appointed as North West Fire Control Directors for 2026-27.

The Authority was requested to note and endorse the membership of the committees of the Combined Fire Authority for 2026-27 as set out below. An amendment to the proposal was noted with County Councillors A Joynes and B Langford proposed as members of Audit Committee and County Councillor A Joynes proposed as a member of Appeals Committee.

The report was proposed by County Councillor A Ali and seconded by the Chair and members voted in favour of the recommendation.

Resolved: The Authority noted and endorsed the membership of the committees of the Combined Fire Authority for 2026-27.

The Authority was requested to agree the programme of meetings for the 2026-27 municipal year.

The Chair requested that officers review meeting calendars to avoid clashes with home authority meetings wherever possible.

Proposed dates for 2026-27 for the full CFA meetings: -

21 September 2026

14 December 2026

22 February 2027 (Budget Meeting)

14 June 2027

Proposed dates for 2026-27 for the Audit Committee meetings: -

30 June 2026

1 October 2026

15 December 2026

25 March 2027

Proposed dates for 2026-27 for the Performance Committee meetings: -

8 July 2026

15 September 2026

9 December 2026

3 March 2027

Proposed dates for 2026-27 for the Planning Committee meetings: -

13 July 2026

16 November 2026

8 March 2027

Proposed dates for 2026-27 for the Resources Committee meetings: -

29 June 2026

30 September 2026

25 November 2026

16 March 2027

Proposed dates for 2026-27 for the Capital Building Projects Working Group meetings: -

13 July 2026

16 November 2026

26 April 2027

Proposed dates for 2026-27 for the Member Training and Development Working Group meetings: -

22 October 2026

22 April 2027

Proposed dates for 2026-27 for the Strategy Group meetings: -

2 November 2026

14 June 2027

The report was proposed by County Councillor A Ali and seconded by the Chair with all members voting in favour of the recommendation.

Resolved: That the authority agreed the programme of meetings for the Combined Fire Authority for 2026-27.

The previous minutes were proposed by County Councillor A Ali and seconded by County Councillor I Duxbury.

Resolved: That the Minutes of the last meeting held on 27 April 2026 be confirmed and signed by the Chair.

The report was proposed by County Councillor A Ali and seconded by County Councillor R Walsh.

Resolved: That the proceedings of the Member Training and Development Working Group held on Thursday 23 April 2026 be noted and endorsed.

The Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO) presented the report to members.

The report provided an overview of a proposed pilot to change the crewing model at Fleetwood Fire Station from the current wholetime 2-2-4 duty system to a Flexible Day Crewing (FDC) system.

The proposal was informed by a detailed assessment of risk, incident demand, workforce availability and operational performance in the Fleetwood area. Analysis of incident data (2023–2025) demonstrated that Fleetwood had the lowest demand of all wholetime stations, with approximately 636 incidents annually and relatively low levels of critical fire incidents and casualties.

Risk modelling confirmed that the station met required response standards and that an FDC model would continue to achieve those standards, including during on-call hours when crews responded into station from nearby locations.

Workforce analysis indicated a viable staffing model, with a cohort of wholetime and on-call personnel living within a five-minute response radius. Travel time analysis showed that a potential FDC crew could achieve an average response-to station time of approximately 3 minutes, comparable to or better than existing on call performance in some other parts of the county. Under the current wholetime duty system 24 firefighters were required, the implementation of a FDC system would reduce this requirement to 12 firefighters temporarily for the duration of the pilot facilitating the redistribution of the remaining firefighters to fill vacant posts across the service.

The proposal also supported broader organisational objectives, including improving workforce sustainability, reducing reliance on compulsory transfers, and releasing wholetime resources to support wider service pressures. Subject to approval, the pilot would operate for 18 months, with formal reviews at 6 and 12 months to ensure service effectiveness was maintained. The Service had consulted the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) and local staff on the potential pilot proposal and there was broad support to progress. In addition, the Service was currently undertaking a wider public consultation on the proposals from 1 June to 30 June 2026.

In response to a question from County Councillor A Ali in relation to other stations using the FDC system and response times, the DCFO confirmed that Bacup, Fulwood, St Annes, Leyland and Ormskirk Stations all operated on the FDC system, he confirmed that although there would be a 3 to 4 minute delay with firefighters attending from nearby locations outside of core hours, the proposed pilot at Fleetwood would still allow for target response times to continue to be achieved including to high-risk areas and these response times would be monitored through the Performance Committee. County Councillor A Ali commented that he was pleased that safe staffing levels would be maintained.

In response to a question from County Councillor J Tetlow in relation to on-call firefighters travelling to stations to attend incidents, the DCFO confirmed that firefighters did not have exemptions to pass through red lights when travelling to the station but did have exemptions when responding to emergency incidents on a fire appliance. He also explained that some on-call firefighters travelled to the station on foot  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13-26/27

The Monitoring Officer presented the report to members.

Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) guidance recommended the appointment of an Independent Person (IP) to Audit Committees to increase its level of expertise. This report sought permission to recruit such an IP.

The Audit Committee met four times per year and had seven politically balanced members drawn from the Combined Fire Authority (CFA). The Audit Committee’s purpose was to provide those responsible for governance with independent assurance on the adequacy of the risk management framework, internal and external governance processes and the internal control environment. The documents that the committee considers were frequently complicated and technical in nature referring to accounting practices. In order to perform their role providing oversight and assurance, it was essential for the Audit Committee members to have sufficient knowledge and understanding of the material so that they could challenge it where necessary. CIPFA stressed that Audit Committees need members who could:

• understand complex financial reporting 
• scrutinise risk, control, and assurance frameworks
• challenge internal and external audit effectively
• appreciate accounting judgments and governance implications

Lancashire CFA already had two Independent Persons formally engaged to support it. These were contracted pursuant to section 28 of the Localism Act 2011 which required the views of an Independent Person to be taken in relation to allegation against members in relation to their code of conduct (the role had been expanded to encompass involvement in the disciplinary procedure against statutory officers as agreed at the February 2026 CFA meeting (resolution 68-25/26 refers)).

This paper sought approval for a further Independent Person, not under the Localism Act, but specifically to sit on the Audit Committee as a specialist advisor (although they would also chair any hearings under the members complaints procedure under new draft terms of reference for that committee). The members’ constitution working group had approved new Audit Committee terms of reference that allowed for the appointment of this IP as an advisor and as chair of any member complaints hearings. The committee would also be renamed the Audit, Risk and Governance Committee.

What was sought was technical expertise and independence, not political independence. Most Fire Authority members did not have a background in audit, risk, finance, or governance. An IP would bring:

• professional-level scrutiny of accounts, governance structures and control frameworks
• continuity of knowledge despite political membership turnover
• confidence for external auditors and the public that scrutiny includes specialist input

It had proved to be difficult to find a ‘rate’ that was being paid to independent audit members that were already active for other public bodies. The sums that were found varied considerably from organisation to organisation. Some organisations were paying a sum per meeting (one as low as £50 per meeting) and some organisations were paying an annual sum (a few as high as £2,500, for four or five meetings). In view of this, officers felt that there was sense in considering the sums paid within the Members’ Allowances Scheme.

The service paid its current Independent Persons  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14-26/27

The Authority considered the Annual Safety, Health and Environment Report for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) covering the period 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.

As the body with ultimate responsibility for staff health, safety and environmental compliance it was important that all CFA Members were aware of performance in this respect. The report therefore provided a summary of overall progress and performance in respect of accidents and near misses, environmental performance, health and wellbeing initiatives, together with a look forward to planned improvement areas for 2026-27.

The report summarised the arrangements in place to deliver the Service's Safety, Health and Environment Policy and provided a summary of safety, health and environment performance data. It included the reporting on occupational safety, health and environmental issues that had arisen during the period 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.

External Audit of Health Safety and Environment Management Systems 2026

Since initial certification in November 2011 surveillance visits had been conducted annually with re?certification every 3 years to maintain external certification of the Health and Safety and Environment Management Systems. In February 2026, the auditor from British Assessment Bureau (BAB) carried out an audit against the International Standards for health and safety ISO 45001:2018 and environment ISO 14001:2015. The audit scope for both standards was ‘The Provision of Fire, Rescue and Supporting Services across Lancashire’. This broad scope encompasses all LFRS activities with audit visits to the Service Headquarters (SHQ) site, Leadership and Development Centre (LDC), seven fire stations operating different duty systems together with several supporting departments. Continued certification was granted noting no major non-conformities and one minor non-conformity.

Health and Safety Performance

During 2025-26 there were 75 accidents, 111 near misses and 12 Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) events.  The report provided a summary of the total accident and ill-health statistics for 2025-26.

Vehicle Accidents

During 2025-26 there were 86 vehicle related accidents. The majority of incidents occurred during low-speed manoeuvring activities.

The Road Risk Review Panel (RRRP) examined the trends and outcomes from fleet vehicle accidents and current working practices. The RRRP group members had been meeting during the year to identify learning from vehicle accidents, identify wider trends about the cause and what measures could be taken to improve performance. A key enhancement in the area was the continued roll-out of vehicle CCTV systems being fitted to fleet vehicles.

Health and Wellbeing

The focus of mental health awareness training across the Service was personal resilience; building and maintaining. The aim of the Service’s programmes was to increase personal resilience of staff and includes elements of positive psychology, relaxation, coping strategies and suicide awareness.

‘Wellbeing Wednesdays’ continued to be received well by colleagues. Staff from the SHE Department arranged to work from a different station or office on a regular basis to provide the opportunity for staff to ask questions about the wellbeing resources, receive wellbeing toolbox talks, have a visit from a Wellbeing Support Dog and have a general wellbeing chat.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15-26/27

The newly appointed 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 Joanne Ash previously 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 26 April 2026.

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

County Councillor M Clifford informed members that the Firelight family fun day had been postponed due to operational and resource demands across blue light services and a clash with another event in the local community.

County Councillors J Ash and E Worthington expressed their thanks for the invitation to attend the recent wellbeing dogs passing out event and encouraged members to attend future events.

The Chair expressed his thanks to County Councillor J Fox for the work he had done as the Community Champion for Road Safety over the previous year. County Councillor J Ash had now been appointed to this role.

Resolved: That the Authority noted 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.

Prosecutions

There had been no sentencings since the previous Combined Fire Authority report dated 27April 2026.

Four other cases currently sat within the court system.

Protection teams continued to investigate and build case files in relation to 14 other premises where offences were believed to have been committed under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

Members noted that on 6 April 2026 the Fire Safety (Residential Evacuation Plans) (England) Regulations 2025 introduced new statutory duties on Responsible Persons to identify residents who may struggle to self?evacuate, develop person?centred evacuation arrangements, and share relevant information with Fire and Rescue Services where consent was provided. This legislation implemented key recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and marked a shift toward risk?based, person?centred planning for vulnerable residents. While compliance sat with Responsible Persons, the Regulations had significant implications for LFRS, including receiving and managing evacuation information, ensuring robust data governance, strengthening pre?incident planning and response arrangements, and preparing operational staff to use information safely and proportionately during incidents. Several actions had been undertaken to prepare and inform Responsible Persons of their duties and to raise awareness of the new legislation including information, advice and guidance along with a new Home Fire Safety Check (HFSC) referral portal for Responsible Persons to support the person-centred approach.

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

There were another eight live arson cases ongoing through the Criminal Justice System that the Service was continuing to progress.

In response to a question from the Chair in relation to funding in relation to high-rise buildings, the DCFO explained that since the Grenfell Tower tragedy the government had supported fire and rescue services with an annual uplift grant. He added that plans were in place relating to pre-determined attendances to ensure that the right amount of resources were sent to an incident. The Chief Fire Officer (CFO) added that the service was engaged with the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) created post-Grenfell, and which oversaw a building’s lifecycle from design, through construction, and into occupancy, with a post funded by way of a recharge for work undertaken in support of the BSR function.

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:

• Residential building fire in Bispham (1/4/26)
• Commercial building fire in Charnock Richard (7/4/26)
• Wildfire in Bacup (26/4/26)
• Commercial building fire in Burnley (4/5/26)
• Domestic building fire in Whalley (5/5/26)
• Rescue of person in Edgeworth (18/5/26)
• Road Traffic Collision in Clitheroe (21/5/26)
• Rescue of entrapped person in Darwen (23/5/26)
• Rescue of person from water in Ribchester (26/5/26)
• Commercial building fire in Burnley (26/5/26)
• Road Traffic Collision in Tarleton (28/5/26)

Resolved: That the Authority noted and endorsed the report.

Area Manager (AM) Phil Jones gave a presentation to members on the building fire at Warburtons, Burnley. The first call in relation to the incident was received at 14:47 on 4 May 2026, initially eight fire engines and an Aerial Ladder Platform (ALP) were in attendance, this was then increased to 12 fire engines.

AM Jones explained that there was a large amount of interest in the incident on social media. Considerations during the incident included signs of collapse in the roof, a complex layout within the building, significant heat and smoke, hazardous materials present, live utilities present and the risk of fire spread.

Lancashire Police managed a cordon around the area and the service worked with the North West Ambulance Service and social media teams to ensure clear messaging to local residents. The service also worked with Burnley Borough Council, Electricity North West and Cadent Gas to ensure the safe conclusion of the incident.

It had been determined that the cause of the fire was accidental.

Members asked questions in relation to the procedures in place at Warburtons in relation to fire safety, AM Jones confirmed that no issues had been identified and that the process after every fire was for a full evaluation and debrief to take place with any relevant actions and lessons learnt identified. This would include a multi-agency debrief.

The next meeting of the Authority will be held on Monday 21 September 2026 at 1030 hours at Washington Hall, Leadership and Development Centre, Euxton.

The next meeting of the Authority would be held on Monday 21 September 2026 at 10:30am at the Leadership and Development Centre, Euxton.