Agenda item

The Chair introduced Dan Greaves, Director of Fire and Resilience at the Home Office, who updated the Committee on changes which had been made to the Policing and Crime Bill on its passage through Parliament, and the Home Office’s plans for enacting the provisions in the Bill.

The Director of Fire and Resilience highlighted that amendments had been made to provisions in the Bill around collaboration agreements with local partners, and the requirement in the original Bill for a Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) to consult on the compilation of a business case and transfers of governance. Members noted that amendments to the Bill had arisen during the Committee and Report states of the Bill in the House of Lords following concerns raised through the LGA by Fire and Rescue Authorities (FRAs). Royal Assent of the Bill was expected on Tuesday 31 January, with implementation expected to follow on 1 April.

In the discussion which followed Members raised the following points:

·         There were county elections in May and the Home Office needed to bear in mind the impact this would have on the ability of FRAs to implement the legislation.

·         Regarding a request by FRAs for a predetermined panel to conduct independent assessments of business cases, the Director explained that the department had considered this to be too bureaucratic, and that a more flexible system whereby appointments were made as and when a business case required assessment was favoured.

·         It was suggested that a fixed panel be appointed for independent assessments but with a degree of flexibility and substitution to allow for consideration of business cases in good time. The panel could be larger than 4 people and be inclusive of elected Members. It was also suggested that the panel look at non-contentious bids as well as contentious bids in order to keep a good mix of cases to reference for the future. Having members on inspection teams would also bring value to the process. The Director explained the membership and size of the panel were still open for discussion and the Committee’s comments would be noted. He also added that when the Fire Inspectorate had been appointed the Home Office would set out the broader approach and pilot frameworks.

·         A template for business cases was under development by the Association of Policing and Crime Chief Executives (APACE). The next draft was expected in February and the LGA would be consulted on the content.

·         In response to a question it was confirmed that PCCs who took on the governance of the fire and rescue service in their areas should consult on business cases, and the views of the Committee and the LGA had been taken on board.

·         It was noted that some PCCs had approached FRAs to seek a seat and voting rights. The FRA could reject the approach, but should have a reason for doing so. Some FRAs were open to this, and encouraged PCCs to attend FRA meetings, but suggested a reciprocal arrangement whereby they would also have a seat on the Police and Crime Panel.

Decision

The Fire Services Management Committee:

1.    Noted the latest amendments to the Policing and Crime Bill; and

2.    Noted the Home Office’s plans for implementation of the legislation following Royal Assent.