Agenda and minutes

Standing item.

The Chair welcomed members to the meeting.

The Chair congratulated the Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO) on being awarded the King's Fire Service Medal in the New Year's Honours List and welcomed the new Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) Sam Pink, who joined the service in February. The ACFO thanked the Chair and remarked that she was proud to lead the service.

Apologies were received from Councillors J Hugo and F Jackson and County Councillor S Morris.

Resolved: - That the Minutes of the CFA held on 16 December 2024 be confirmed and signed by the Chair.

Resolved: - That the proceedings of the Resources Committee held on 27 November 2024 be noted.

Resolved: - That the proceedings of the Audit Committee held on 28 November 2024 be noted.

Resolved: - That the proceedings of the Performance Committee held on 4 December 2024 be noted.

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.

The Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO) advised members of a correction to the minutes, the final paragraph within resolution 24/24 of the minutes (page 73 of the agenda pack) made reference to more information on prevention being brought to a future Planning Committee, this was corrected to information on protection.

The DCFO reminded members that Lancashire Fire and Rescue Services (LFRSs) His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) inspection had commenced today. The inspection team would work remotely for the first three weeks whilst they reviewed service documentation and data. The inspection team would physically be in service for weeks 4 and 6 (w/c 10 and 24 March) and conduct interviews, reality testing and further reviews, weeks 5, 7, and 8 were all remote, inspection activity would conclude early April. The service would receive a hot debrief on 1 May 2025 which would provide insight into the possible outcome of the inspection with a draft report expected in June 2025.

Resolved: - That the proceedings of the Planning Committee held on 3 February 2025 be noted.

The Chair presented the report which detailed key points raised at Local Government Association (LGA) meetings of the Fire Service Management Committee and Fire Service Management Commission.

The Chair advised members of a correction to the report, the entry relating to the Fire Service Committee on Friday 9 June 2023 (on page 85 of the agenda pack) should refer to the Fire Service Management Commission rather than committee.

Resolved: That the report be noted.

The Chief Fire Officer (CFO) presented the report to members. The Fire and Rescue National Framework for England (2018) set out the Government’s high-level expectations, priorities and objectives for Fire and Rescue Authorities (FRAs) in England. Included within the framework was the requirement that all FRAs must provide assurance on financial, governance and operational matters.

The Statement of Assurance aimed to provide the required accountability and transparency to Lancashire communities and the Government that Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) continued to deliver efficient, effective value for money services.

This statement sat alongside the Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP), Statement of Accounts, the Annual Governance Statement, the Annual Service Plan and Annual Progress Report. It detailed what measures were in place to assure that the Combined Fire Authority’s performance was efficient, economic, and effective and provided further evidence that LFRS continued to deliver under the expectations detailed within both the National Framework and its own Risk Management Plan.

Resolved: - That the Authority approved the Annual Statement of Assurance 2023?24 as presented and approved the signing of this by the Chair of the Authority and the Chief Fire Officer.

The Director of People and Development (DoPD) presented the report. In accordance with the provisions of the Localism Act 2011 a pay policy statement for 2025/26 was considered by Members.

The pay policy published data on senior salaries and the structure of the workforce and it demonstrated the principles of transparency.

The pay policy statement set out the Authority’s policies for the financial year relating to:

·         The remuneration of its chief officers;

·         The remuneration of its lowest paid employees; and

·         The relationship between the remuneration of its chief officers and that of other employees who were not chief officers.

The statement included:

·         The level and elements of remuneration for each chief officer;

·         Remuneration range for chief officers on recruitment;

·         Methodology for increases and additions to remuneration for each chief officer;

·         The use of performance-related pay for chief officers;

·         The use of bonuses for chief officers;

·         The approach to the payment of chief officers on their ceasing to hold office under, or be employed by, the authority; and

·         The publication of and access to information relating to the remuneration of chief officers.

It also included the Authority’s policies for the financial year relating to other terms and conditions applying to its chief officers.

County Councillor D O’Toole remarked that the Service needed to ensure that it was prioritising the remedy of firefighter pensions, which whilst they were often complex, it was vital to resolve as soon as possible. 

Resolved: - That the Pay Policy Statement be approved.

The Director of Corporate Services (DoCS) / Treasurer advised that appendices A to D in the Budget Report were linked, with changes in one impacting on the others: A) the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) set out the financial outlook and estimated borrowing over the next five years, B) the Capital Strategy set out major expenditure for investment within the Service (including the ten-year capital programme), C) the Reserves Strategy set out savings and how they were planned to be used over the next 5 years, and D) the Treasury Management Strategy set out investment, borrowing, repayment and how money was set aside to repay borrowing.

The DoCS presented the report that set out the Council Tax Precept and Budget for 2025/26 along with the associated appended documents.

The Authority was required to set a balanced budget and council tax precept for the next financial year by 1 March 2025. The Authority had to ensure it:

• Considered the link between capital investment decisions and the revenue implications.
• Considered the results of the Council Tax Precept Consultation.
• Considered the Treasury Management implications of revenue and capital decisions.
• Provided value for money.
• Reflected best practice.

The Budget and appended documents in the report formed the Service’s financial strategies which were part of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) strategic planning activity and governance framework which set out the direction of the Service and how it would achieve the aim of making Lancashire safer. These financial strategies were one of six core strategies that set out how LFRS, would provide services in line with the following priorities in the five-year Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP):

• Valuing our people.
• Preventing fires.
• Protecting people and property.
• Responding to fire and other emergencies.
• Delivering value for money.

Financial Context

The outlook for the UK economy in 2025 was mixed. Modest improvements in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) were expected, but still below pre pandemic levels and inflation was expected to stabilise at 2% by the end of 2025, but there could be temporary increases due to factors like rising gas prices. Interest rates were expected to continue to reduce gradually and whilst personal finances remain relatively strong, employers had raised concerns about job creation due to rises in National Insurance contributions. Overall, while there were positive signs of recovery, challenges such as geopolitical issues and global trade frictions could impact the UK's economic performance.

Nationally the Fire Service continued to face financial pressures from increasing legislative demands, environmental and societal changes, inflationary pressures, particularly on capital projects, above inflation pay settlements and increasingly more complex demands on resources.

Funding

Funding for the fire sector had changed in the last 15 years. The 2008 banking crisis was followed by a period of austerity in the sector. During this period government grants for the fire sector reduced. Changes to the funding methodology during this period also meant that changes in the economy, that impacted on benefits claimant numbers or business rates, impacted on funding levels. With Council Tax and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 75/24

The Clerk to the authority presented the report to members on the proposed amendment to the members role and Community Safety Champion role description. At the November 2024 Member Training and Development Working Group, some proposals for minor changes were made, with regard to the current financial climate and uncertainties around Local Government funding. Other cosmetic changes were also proposed in relation to the role of Member Champions.

The amendments, proposed by County Councillor Salter, in respect of the change to the Description of the Role of members was as follows:

• To change the wording on Page 2 of appendix 1 of the report from ‘Deliver Affordable and Sustainable Services’, to ‘Deliver Realistic Future Planning’.

• To remove the bullet point ‘Planning for future grant reductions’.

The proposal to change the Role Description of Member Champions attached in the report at appendix 2 was as follows:

·         To change the wording of the bullet point ‘Engage with other Fire Authority Members to promote awareness of older people issues and to seek their views’, to ‘Engage with other Fire Authority Members to promote awareness of issues effecting older people and seek their views’.

The proposals were mindful of the need to review the Authority’s functions and adapt to changes within the social and economic climate, which was consistent with good governance principles.

The proposals, whilst relatively minor, did potentially engage with paragraph 3.1.d of the Authority’s Constitutional Procedural and Contractual Standing Orders, and therefore it was a requirement that the proposals were ratified by the Authority.

The proposals were consistent with the Authority’s Member Training and Development Strategy, which was last approved by the CFA on 22 February 2021.

Councillor D Smith remarked that he would welcome a review of the strategy as proposed in the report.

The Chair thanked Councillor D Smith and County Councillor M Salter for the proposal at the recent Member Training and Development Working Group.

Resolved: - That the authority approved the minor amendments and revised Role of Members and Role Description for the Member Champions.

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

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Services (LFRSs) Climate Change Operational Response Plan (CCORP) was published in 2022 and spanned 5 years to 2027 in line with the services Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP). It provided an overview of LFRSs intentions to strengthen the provision of services to communities in response to the impacts of climate change.

The report provided the Authority with a mid-point review of progress against the aspirations contained within the CCORP across the key themes.

As the extremes of foreseeable weather events became increasingly evident, LFRSs CCORP considered flooding and wildfire as two separate areas of focus, whilst recognising that several of the proposed actions LFRS would take, would serve to mitigate elements of both risks in tandem.

In delivering against this plan, LFRS continued to aim to:

• Reduce the threat posed to citizens of Lancashire.
• Improve firefighter safety.
• Reduce costs and impact upon our communities, partners and the Service.

The CCORP was developed around 6 key principles:

• Working in partnership with other agencies and/or private bodies to make our communities safer.
• Delivering prevention activities serves to educate and inform and thereby reduce potential risks.
• Empowering communities to play their part can increase local resilience and assist planning and response.
• Utilising operational debriefing and learning supports continuous improvement in the delivery of our services.                                                                                                                      
• Working to support local, regional, and national policy design through learning and sharing areas of best practice.
• Responding effectively when required, with the right vehicles, trained staff, best equipment, and operational tactics.

The overarching aim was to strengthen the services plans in relation to risks posed by both Flooding and Wildfires across the key areas of:

• Prevention, protection and education
• Emergency Planning
• Training
• Operational Response
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Welfare

The CCORP 2022/2027 was a comprehensive and ambitious document that demonstrated LFRS's commitment and leadership in adapting to and mitigating effects of climate change both locally and nationally.

LFRS’s progress against the CCORP included;

Prevention, protection and education

• Implementation of Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO’s) in collaboration with local authorities and Lancashire Constabulary. This restricted the use of barbecues and open fires in high-risk areas, such as moorlands and woodlands, to prevent wildfires. PSPO’s were launched with partners on 4 March 2024. Breach of a PSPO was a criminal offence and could result in a fine of up to £1000. PSPO’s were a tool that could be used by LFRS and its partners to reduce wildfire risk within Lancashire.

• Established a Lancashire Water Safety Partnership (LWSP) which was officially launched in April 2023 and was chaired by LFRS officers. LWSP had identified high risk locations for the installation of water safety boards including at nearby Cuerden Valley Park and was scoping the potential for use of PSPO’s for two high risk water sites in Lancashire.

• Properties within urban interface areas with wildfire risk had been identified and Fire Protection and Community Fire Safety Teams would work together to deliver appropriate advice. LFRS would deliver targeted  ...  view the full minutes text for item 77/24

The concept of Member Champions was introduced in December 2007. A review of the areas of focus for Member Champions was considered at the Authority meeting held in June 2017 where new areas of responsibility were agreed. The current Member Champions and their areas of responsibility were:

·         Community Safety – County Councillor Matthew Salter

·         Equality, Diversity and Inclusion – Councillor Zamir Khan

·         Health and Wellbeing – County Councillor Hasina Khan

·         Road Safety – Councillor Fred Jackson

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 16 February 2025. During this period all had undertaken their respective role in accordance with the defined terms of reference.

County Councillor M Salter remarked that the Community Safety Teams had done some fantastic work with children and young people, including the road safety campaign delivered at Edge Hill University. He further remarked that the partnership work with West Lancashire Borough Council (WLBC) in relation to identifying damp and mould as part of Home Fire Safety Checks (HFSCs) was very important.

In response to a question from Councillor D Smith in relation to the possibility of the identification of mould and damp as part of HFSCs being rolled out across the county, the CFO confirmed that this approach was instigated by WLBC and LFRS would evaluate the approach and consider expanding it. Area Manager (AM) Matt Hamer added that Community Safety Advisors looked beyond fire risks to educate tenants on reporting concerns and were strengthening relationships with local authorities with a view to adopting similar approaches.

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.

On the 24 January 2025, sentencing took place at Preston Crown Court regarding a fatal fire in July 2019 at 284 Burnley Road, Colne where the responsible person, Potensial were sentenced to:

• A fine of £135,000.00
• Ordered to pay costs of £18,705.00 to Lancashire Fire and Rescue.

The offences to which Potensial pleaded guilty to were:

• Failure to take such general fire safety precautions so as to ensure the safety of residents and staff. Article 8(1)(b).
• Failure to make a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment. Article 9(1).

The DCFO advised members that this was the first prosecution nationally for an organisation of this type.

LFRS had two cases relating to the same premises within the court system. These related to two responsible persons at a care and nursing home. One case was set for sentencing on the 29January 2025 at the Magistrates Court. The second case had a dismissal hearing on the 24 March 2025 at Crown Court along with a trial date set for the 28 July 2025. One further case was set for trial on the 14 July 2025 relating to student accommodation.

LFRS had been engaged with two appeals against the issuing of Enforcement Notices. One appeal had been withdrawn and costs paid to LFRS, with the other appeal withdrawn following the company in question no longer having any level of control over the premises, thus no longer a responsible person. Regulatory activity continued to be in place on the premises to ensure fire safety compliance. 

Members noted that there had been no arson convictions during the reporting period. There were 14 live cases ongoing through the Criminal Justice System that were continuing to be progressed.

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:

• Rescue of persons from flood water in Bacup (23/11/24)
• Response to persons in flood water in Colne (23/11/24)
• Commercial building fire in Preston (23/11/24)
• Fire involving hay bales in Chorley (29/11/24)
• Road Traffic Collision in Darwen (9/12/24)
• Domestic property fire in Chorley (9/12/24)
• Domestic property fire in Morecambe (13/12/24)
• Rescue of person in Blackburn (21/1/25)
• Commercial building fire in Blackburn (23/1/25)
• Derelict hotel fire in Blackpool (27/1/25)

County Councillor M Pattison thanked officers for their quick response and attendance at a recent fire at student accommodation in Lancaster on 8 February 2025.

The Chair expressed her thanks to officers for their response to the flooding in Ormskirk on New Years Day. 11 residents were rescued and appliances attended from Leyland and Wesham. The Chair remarked that Station Manager (SM) Scott Nickson was very supportive and officers carried out a great operation.

In response to a question from County Councillor M Clifford in relation to a recent fire in Whittle-Le-Woods and the Services knowledge of contaminated sites, the DCFO confirmed that the Lancashire Resilience Forum (LRF) allowed partners to share knowledge and understand risks. Any identified risks would then inform LFRS response and emergency planning. The DCFO encouraged members to feed back any information they had to continue to identify risks and inform emergency planning.

County Councillor D O’Toole remarked that the report showed the variety of jobs that LFRS attended, where officers looked after residents and saved lives.

County Councillor D O’Toole then welcomed the ACFO to the Service on behalf of the Conservative party.

The ACFO thanked members for their welcome and commented that the incidents contained within the report were varied and the response provided with LFRS assets highlighted the importance of continued investment. She further stated that wildfire events that would previously have happened once every 10 years were now happening much more frequently and in consecutive years.

Resolved: That the Authority noted the report.

Standing item.

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

Resolved: - That the current position be noted.

The next meeting of the Authority will be held on Monday 28 April 2025 at 1030 hours at Washington Hall Leadership and Development Centre, Euxton.

The next meeting of the Authority would be held on Monday 28 April 2025 at 10:30am at the Leadership and Development Centre, Euxton.

Councillor D Smith left the meeting at 11:45.

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.

(Paragraphs 4 and 5)

Councillor D Smith rejoined the meeting at 11:47

The Director of People and Development (DoPD) provided a verbal report to members on an issue which had arisen in respect of changes to the pension schemes applying to uniformed members of the fire service.

Resolved: - That the verbal report be noted with a more detailed update to be prepared for the next Resources Committee.