MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE FIRE AND PUBLIC SAFETY SELECT COMMITTEE HELD AT COUNTY HALL, NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT ON MONDAY 18 MARCH 2002 COMMENCING AT 10 AM
Present :
Mr D J Knowles (Chairman), Mr B E Abraham, Mr J R Adams, Mr C B W Chapman, Mrs M J Miller, Mr V J Morey, Mr I R Stephens, Mr R A Sutton, Mr A A Taylor, Mrs J L Wareham
30. MINUTES
RESOLVED :
THAT the minutes of the meeting held on 18 February 2002 be confirmed.
31. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were no declarations received at this stage.
32. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
Questions were put to the Chairman as follows :-
Mr N Newland (on behalf of the Fire Brigades Union) in relation to union representatives sitting on the Select Committee (PQ 17/02)
Mr G Jackaman (on behalf of the Fire Brigades Union) in relation catering at Newport Fire Station (PQ18/02)
33. BEST VALUE PROCUREMENT REVIEW 2001-02
The Chief Fire Officer presented his report on the Best Value Procurement Review 2001-02. The scope of the review had been reduced, with the agreement of Her Majesty’s Inspectorate and the Appraisal Group.
The review focussed on four main areas
• Procurement Strategy
• Procurement of Personal Protective Equipment
• Fleet Maintenance and Procurement of Fleet
• Occupational Health Provision
With regard to the Procurement Strategy, the report made clear that there was a need to develop a framework for a procurement strategy across the Brigade as well as linking it to the Council’s current strategies.
Members were advised the review showed that the Requirements of the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 1992 were not fully met in connection with storing and maintenance of personal equipment. In addition, some of the equipment was old and would require replacement shortly. The Chief Fire Officer was currently looking at alternatives where a supplier would take on responsibility for the upkeep and availability of equipment and clothing. However, this would have revenue cost implications.
The current process of procuring fire appliances, other than special appliances, through the Fire Service Consortium was felt to be good although market testing could be undertaken within the next five years to ensure best value requirements were met.
The review highlighted the current short fall in the present arrangements for the provision for occupational health. The arrangements were provided by St Mary’s Hospital as part of the NHS. It was reported that there was often a considerable wait before a firefighter was able to see a consultant and again a wait before treatment was given. This led to a delay in the firefighter returning to work. The possibility of seeking private care in order to speed up the process was being investigated and a business case would be produced. The way in which other fire authorities dealt with such matters would also be examined. Members welcomed the report and were keen to support improvements to the occupational health scheme so that a more efficient and cost effective service could be delivered.
The Chief Fire Officer briefly explained the planned improvements which stemmed from the Best Value Review and confirmed that an action plan would be produced and presented to members in due course.
RESOLVED :
THAT the Executive be recommended to accept the Best Value Review of Procurement
34. CRIME AND DISORDER BEST VALUE REVIEW
Consideration was given to the Crime and Disorder Best Value Review together with an Improvement Plan. Members were reminded that the Crime and Disorder Act required local authorities to work in partnership with other organisations to reduce crime and disorder in the community. Furthermore, under Section 17 of the Act there was a duty on the Council to consider crime and disorder implications when carrying out various functions and in the decision making process.
The review examined the following :-
• The role of the Crime and Disorder Partnership
• The role of the Crime and Disorder Team and how this related to the Partnership
• Mainstreaming Section 17 with the Council
• The processes for obtaining Anti-Social Behaviour Order's
• Strategic Development of CCTV
The Improvement Plan addressed the issues which had been raised through the best value process, the Crime and Disorder Strategy and the Crime and Disorder Act and identified a number of action points and timescales for these to be completed.
Members discussed the value of Anti-Social Behaviour Order's in the effort to reduce crime. It was explained that an Order had not yet been applied for due to the success of Acceptable Behaviour Contracts but at some stage it would become necessary. Advice was given that no funding had yet been identified to enable the Council to apply for an Anti-Social Behaviour Order. It was anticipated costs would be in the region of £4,000 per Order. The Select Committee recognised the importance of Section 17 and believed members would benefit from training on the issue.
(During the debate Mrs M Miller declared a non - pecuniary interest, as Chairman of the Development Control Committee, in relation to the relocation of the Newport Fire Station and took no part in the discussion thereof)
The debate then turned towards the matter of the relocation of Newport Fire Station in the context of a CCTV control room. Concern was expressed that the issue should also have come before the Select Committee due to its far reaching implications for the Fire Service. In addition the Chief Fire Officer reiterated that any new fire station would need to ensure adequate fire cover and be accessible to retained firefighters.
RESOLVED :
(i) THAT the Executive be recommended to approve the Crime and Disorder Best Value Review
(ii) THAT the Executive be recommended to endorse the Improvement Plan.
(iii) THAT a bid be made to the Invest to Save Budget for funds to proceed with Anti-Social Behaviour Order's
35. HACKNEY CARRIAGE WORKING PARTY
Members received for information the minutes of the meeting of the Hackney Carriage Working Party held on 22 February 2002.
RESOLVED :
THAT the minutes be noted.
36. FORWARD PLAN
RESOLVED :
THAT the Forward Plan for March to June 2002 be noted.
CHAIRMAN