Agenda item

The Assistant Chief Fire Officer presented the report on the annual review of the Fire Engine Availability Key Performance Indicator (KPI) 3.3.

At a resolution of the Planning Committee of 17 July 2023 (08/23), the decision was taken to adjust the Key Performance Indicator (KPI) relating to overall fire engine availability, to report against how effectively fire cover was provided across the 39 fire stations (risk areas) of the county. 

The decision approved the proposal to report on the combined availability of the primary asset at each of the 39 stations in percentage terms, whether that be a wholetime or retained duty system fire appliance, with a revised overall target of 90%. Furthermore, that this target would be reviewed annually aligned to the continued work being delivered to strengthen on call appliance availability.

Under the resolution approved at Planning Committee, the KPI change would be subject to annual review with an intention to incrementally increase the standard, if and when appliance availability performance was sustained above the agreed standard. The Service deemed the business year-end to be the most suitable point to conduct this exercise each year and, as such, the report formed the basis of the 2024 review.

At national level, on-call availability remained a significant challenge, as emphasised by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS). Ongoing efforts, both locally and nationally, were focused on addressing those key issues. Within the Service, considerable initiatives were underway to enhance recruitment, training, retention, and the wider use of on-call personnel, all while maintaining realistic role expectations give the limited training hours available each week.

The introduction of the Dynamic Cover Tool at North West Fire Control had mitigated Service risk by aiding the deployment of resources more efficiently.

The total availability over 2024/25 was 89.97% which was slightly below the 90% target. Each quarter was below the standard with 86.91% availability reported in quarter 1, 86.14% in quarter 2, 89.30% in quarter 3, and 89.57% in quarter 4.

The months of June, July, and August 2024 were below the lower control limit which meant that an exception report was published for Q1 and Q2.

However, in Q3 and Q4, availability increased, with December 2024 achieving 90.35% (0.35% above the 90% availability standard), and January 2025 achieving 91.19% (1.19% above the 90% standard). 

The Service KPI change appeared to provide an appropriate balance of oversight and ambition for fire engines crewed by both Wholetime and On-Call firefighters. The 90% availability performance standard was supplemented by further internal KPIs for use by local managers to drive contractual performance and ensure value for money.

Area Manager (AM) John Rossen added that there had been improvements in on-call availability through the on-call improvement projects and that the 90% first pump availability standard continued to be an appropriate target.

The Service recommended that Members maintained the combined 90% first pump availability target across the 39 fire stations in Lancashire.

Resolved: - That the Performance Committee endorsed and maintained no changes to KPI 3.3 further to the year-end review of the standard of 90% first pump availability target across the 39 fire stations in Lancashire.