Agenda item

Pay

(0.104)

The overall forecast was broadly in line with budget:

·       There was a forecast pressure of £0.200m as a result of the Service meeting its legal responsibilities in relation to the Bear Fulton legal case regarding holiday pay;

·       Whilst the Emergency Cover Review (ECR) remained on target, there had been some initial timing delays compared to the budget that had resulted in an in-year pressure that was being partially offset through improvement in the management of overtime arrangements; and

·       Other savings included some vacancies particularly at the training centre of (£0.169m).

Fleet and technical Services - Non-Pay

0.182

The forecast overspend was mainly due to inflationary pressures on the supply of parts and increase in repairs, however, savings had been achieved in quarter 3. It was hoped that this pressure would reduce in future years as inflation fell and the older fleet stock was replaced.

Apprenticeship Levy Funding – Non-Pay

0.300

As previously reported, the Apprenticeship Levy income for the year was forecast to be lower than budgeted which resulted in an annual pressure of approximately £0.300m; this was due to a reduction in the number of recruits meeting the eligibility criteria for funding. On call fire fighters and recruits with significant prior learning did not attract levy funding. This pressure has been provided for in the 2024/25 budget agreed by the CFA in February 2024.

Training Centre Courses – Non-Pay

0.163

As previously reported, due to vacancies in the Training Centre, the department had to appoint more associate trainers than budgeted to meet the training needs of the service; this included driver training and specialist training such as swift water rescue as a result of the ECR. This pressure was offset by vacancies. Note the service was putting in place arrangements to try to increase the number of internal trainers.

Service Delivery / Heads of Service Delivery – Non-Pay

0.108

As previously reported, there was a forecast overspend of £0.108m on protective equipment, due to the roll out of wildfire kit, Urban Search And Rescue (USAR) kit and kit for the new recruits.

Non – DFM – Bank Interest

(0.302)

There was a forecast saving on interest earned on cash balances invested.

Operational Vehicles

Budget £4.001m

Forecast £4.001m

The budget allowed for the remaining stage payments for 10 pumping appliances purchased in previous financial years.

In addition, the budget allowed for the first stage payments of the 3 pumping appliances for the 2023/24 programme. It also included two climate change vehicles and three command units. In addition to the previously reported slippage of climate change vehicle (£0.15m), 2 water towers (£1.027m), 2 prime movers (£0.260m), the ALP chassis (0.251m) had also slipped to quarter 1 of 24/25.

Other vehicles

Budget £0.925m

Forecast £0.925m

This budget allowed for the replacement of various operational support vehicles. The supply of 3 rescue team vans had been delayed to 2024/25.

Operational Equipment

Budget £1.308m

Forecast £1.308m

As reported in November, this budget allowed for equipment purchases including thermal imaging cameras and cutting and extrication equipment 2023/24. Approved slippage on Ballistic Vest and Helmet PPE would enable exploration and pilot of equipment.

Building Modifications

Budget £0.352

Forecast £0.352m

This budget included the continuation of Drill Tower replacements and an upgrade to the Wylfa prop facility. Completion of works had now slipped into early 2024/25 as follows:

·       Wylfa Prop (£0.125m) tender process was expected to complete in quarter 4, and work to commence in 2024/25.

·       W30 Blackpool Dormitory (£0.472m) design work was complete, and work would commence in 2024/25.

·       Drill tower replacement (£0.555m) had slipped as procurement were now seeking a new framework with experienced drill tower contractors.

·       Minor improvements (£0.099) to the estate had slipped to 2024/25.

IT systems

Budget £0.728m

Forecast £0.728m

This budget included for the upgrade Firewalls and digitisation of fire appliances. Note:

·       The national Emergency Services Mobile Communication Programme (ESMCP) had paused to 2025 (£0.1m);

·       WIFI (£0.135m) would be completed after the Firewall scheduled in quarter 4 of 2023/24;

·       Incident ground radios (£0.23m) had slipped in line with helmet communications and the breathing apparatus replacement program; and

·       RDS Alerters (£0.065m) had slipped due to a period of soft market research.

Forecast £’m

General Reserve - min level £3.75m

4.8

Earmarked Reserves

25.4

Total

30.2