MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE FIRE AND PUBLIC SAFETY SELECT COMMITTEE HELD AT COUNTY HALL, NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT ON MONDAY, 9 JUNE 2003 COMMENCING AT 10.00 AM


Present :

 

Mr V J Morey (Chairman), Mr J R Adams, Mr C B W  Chapman, Mr A C Coburn, Mrs B E Foster, Mrs B Lawson, Mr C H Lillywhite, Mrs M J Miller, Mr G P Price, Mr I R Stephens, Mr A A Taylor


Apologies :

 

Mr B E Abraham,


Portfolio Holder :

 

Mr D J Knowles


Also Present (non voting) :

 

Mr A C Bartlett




7.        MINUTES


RESOLVED :

 

THAT the minutes of the meeting held on 12 May 2003 be confirmed.

 

8.        DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST


There were no declarations made at this stage.

 

9.        PRESENTATION OF A PETITION


The Select Committee received a 4,000 signature petition from the Isle of Wight Animal Preservation and Action Group. This requested the assistance of the Council in the establishment of a low cost spaying and neutering service for the pets of people on low incomes and consideration as to the inclusion of the matter on the Select Committee’s workplan.


Members believed research should be done on costs, facilities that were already available and what other authorities did. The dog warden service should be consulted as well as the RSPCA, PDSA and other relevant organisations.


RESOLVED :

 

THAT a report be brought back to the Select Committee once the relevant research had been completed on this issue.

 

10.      FOOD SAFETY ENFORCEMENT


(During the course of the debate Mr J R Adams declared a personal interest as the owner of food shops).


The Head of Consumer Protection presented his report on the Council’s role in food safety enforcement. Members were advised that the Food Standards Agency (FSA) had audited the Council’s food service in September 2002. The final document from that audit was received by the Council in March 2003. An Action Plan had been produced and agreed with the FSA to address the recommendations that had been made.


Members noted that there were serious difficulties recruiting qualified staff. The Committee asked if staff numbers were now up to strength and if there was a training programme for in-house staff. Members suggested that a new growth bid be put in the Service Plan for 2004 for a trainee post.


Members asked if food was sent off for analysis. The Head of Consumer Protection advised the Committee that there was a budget of £7,500 for sampling to cover the cost of purchasing samples and subsequent analysis.


RESOLVED :

 

           (i)        THAT the actions of the Council in protecting public health, discharging the Council’s obligations as Food Authority, and the consistent approach to enforcement of food legislation for the benefit of consumers and businesses be noted.

 

           (ii)       THAT a new growth bid be placed in the Environmental Health Service Plan for a trainee post in food law enforcement.

 

11.      FIRE AUTHORITY INTEGRATED RISK MANAGEMENT PLANS


The Chief Fire Officer advised members that on the 3 April 2003, all UK Fire Services were issued with documentation from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister outlining the introduction of Fire Authority Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP’s). This would form part of the programme of reform and modernisation of the framework within which the Fire Service would operate.


The Chief Fire Officer outlined the main points of the Plan which included the repeal of Section 19 (4) and the current standards of fire cover and advice on the process of developing IRMP’s and the consultation arrangements that the Government expected the Fire Authorities to undertake. It was anticipated that the draft IRMP would be in place by September 2003 with public consultation to commence in October 2003 and that the Plan would go active in April 2004. An IRMP Board and Task Group had been established and a project timetable developed. There would be consultation at all phases. Her Majesty’s Inspector of Fire Services would also have an input, there would be 3 specialist teams consisting of an Inspector, Staff Officer and a Lay Person with a Risk Management background, set up to visit each Brigade. It was believed the Plans would be developed year on year and the change would be incremental rather than all at once. It would provide the community with a risk based approach to community safety.


The Committee congratulated the Chief Fire Officer on the work undertaken so far.


RESOLVED :

 

THAT the planning process overview in respect of the Integrated Risk Management Plan be endorsed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHAIRMAN