Agenda item

The Assistant Chief Fire Officer presented the report.  Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) completed a Thematic Inspection of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) in September 2020. On 22 January 2021, the thematic report as now considered by Members was released alongside a covering national report which summarised the findings across the sector. This was the first of three reports expected from HMICFRS in the first quarter of 2021. The second report was HMICFRS findings of the phase 1 Inquiry into Grenfell Tower which had now been received and the third was the annual State of Fire and Rescue report, due March 2021.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) received a positive inspection from HMICFRS.  The inspection was a light touch and looked at how the Service had delivered its functions safely and how it worked for the greater good of the community alongside partners.  The report noted how prevention and protection work continued, albeit in a modified capacity and how the Service worked with its partners in the Local Resilience Forum (LRF) providing structure, support and logistics.  LFRS had successfully engaged with unions such as the Fire Brigade Union and Unison and was able to put in place effective plans in line with requests from partners in the LRF, many of which came under the tripartite agreement. LFRS was also praised for wellbeing support to staff which was supported by all levels of management and the ability to communicate with staff at all levels using a variety of innovative methods.

LFRS was graded ‘outstanding’ in the round 1 inspections for culture and values.  This further positive result arising from the Thematic Inspection would contribute to grading under the round 2 inspection.  Based on latest information available, it was expected that the outcome report from LFRS’ inspection would be published in summer 2022 and tranche three reports in winter 2022, followed by the third State of Fire and Rescue Report in 2023.

In response to a request from County Councillor Pattison regarding how the Service identified the most vulnerable, the Assistant Chief Fire Officer advised that the Service worked on a day to day basis with the local authorities as key referral partners into the Service for vulnerable people at risk from fire; this was the basis of the circa 20,000 safe and well visits undertaken per year.  In addition, the 3 upper tier authorities also had arrangements for the Service to refer a vulnerable person back to them.  At the start of the pandemic last year, under the tripartite arrangements LFRS staff also visited 5,000 clinically vulnerable people to ensure they had access to necessities (medicines and food etc) which was hugely successful and remained ongoing.  He confirmed that the Service was still meeting critical needs and whilst a covid secure risk assessment applied, where the risk from fire and harm was significant a visit was made by the Service.

The Assistant Chief Fire Officer advised anyone who had concerns about a member of the public to contact their local authority via the information on the relevant local authority website or the Service website.

RESOLVED: That the Authority noted the report.