PAPER D

 

FIRE AND PUBLIC SAFETY SELECT COMMITTEE – 20 SEPTEMBER 2004

 

THE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE NATIONAL FRAMEWORK 2004/05

 

REPORT OF THE PORTFOLIO HOLDER FOR FIRE, EMERGENCY PLANNING AND CONSUMER PROTECTION

 

 

REASON FOR SELECT COMMITTEE CONSIDERATION

 

The Fire and Rescue Service National Framework is the corner stone of the services modernising agenda.  It will shape the way forward for an improving service to the communities of the Island.  The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) has commenced consultation for next years National Framework, which will be based on comments received from Fire Authorities on this 2004/05 National Framework, so your comments on this may be passed through the Executive to form part of the reply to the Consultation by the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service.

 

 

ACTION REQUIRED BY THE SELECT COMMITTEE

 

To scrutinise the National Framework document and the work both in hand and proposed, which will enable the Fire Authority to improve the efficiency of the service to the pubic.

 

To consider a small working group to respond to the ODPM's consultation on 2005/06 National Framework by deadline of 26 October 2004.

 

BACKGROUND

 

The Fire Service Modernisation Agenda is being supported by the ODPM, National Framework.  The National Framework was consulted on widely and fully, the final document being printed in July 2004.

 

Advance copies of the document have been sent to all Select Committee Members’ and this paper summarises the work to achieve the National Framework.  It should be noted that since the publication of the National Framework the Fire Service Bill has received Royal Accent.

 

RELEVANT PLANS, POLICIES, STRATEGIES AND PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

 

Corporate Objectives              -           Creating safe and crime free communities

Annual Action Statement        -           Strategically drives excellence in service deliver

-                      Organisational improvement and staff development

 

CONSULTATION PROCESS

 

The National Framework has been consulted on by a wide range of stakeholders by the ODPM.


FINANCIAL, LEGAL, CRIME AND DISORDER IMPLICATIONS

 

The financial implications were detailed in the submitted Service Plan 2004/05 except those for the pay award, the budget bids failed to be realised.  However, subsequently a bid for funding for the Fire Service Emergency Cover Model (FSEC) was successful and is now being set up.  A revised submission for funding will be submitted in the Service Plan round for 2005/06.  The National Framework has support mechanism for crime and disorder specifically at sections 1.17 and 1.21 as well as throughout the document.

 

APPENDICES ATTACHED

 

Appendix A.     Summary of Framework actions/requirements

Appendix B.     Fire Service Circular 27/2004

 

BACKGROUND PAPERS USED IN THE PREPARTATION OF THIS REPORT

 

The Fire and Rescue Service National Framework.

 

 

Contact Point:             Richard Hards, Chief Fire Officer,  ' 823199,

e-mail [email protected]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COUNCILLOR DAVID KNOWLES

Portfolio Holder for Fire, Emergency Planning and Consumer Protection