Agenda item

The Chair invited Mark Norris, Principal Policy Adviser, to introduce the report.

Mark reminded members that at the September Board meeting, they had requested information on the priorities of the LGA’s other policy Boards, as well as the LGA’s Business Plan, to help understand how the proposed SSCB priorities aligned with wider organisational priorities. This was set out in the report and the table in para 16 in particular was highlighted. Mark invited members to comment on and consider possible areas of joint interest with the other policy boards.

Members’ views/comments:

• Members welcomed the report but sought more clarity on timings around when items would be brought back for discussion and how to ensure there was not duplication between Boards. There was a specific request for the table in para 16 to include dates for objectives and whether they have been completed or not. The Chair asked whether the Forward Plan circulated amongst Lead Members was shared with the wider Board. Mark agreed that it would be helpful to include timings around actions and outcomes and this would be included moving forward. Mark agreed that the Forward Plan for Lead Members could be more closely aligned with the Board’s work plan.

• It was suggested that the LGA Board and Executive Advisory Board were vital in terms of providing a steer to the Board on possible areas of collaboration to achieve the overarching goal of making communities safer and stronger.

• Members expressed an interest in the work of the Fire Services Management Committee with particular reference to possible strike action by Fire Brigades Union members. The Chair requested that officers draft a note for circulation to the Board on the legal position for Fire & Rescue Authorities in respect of strikes.

Decision

SSCB noted the report having reviewed the LGA Plan and considered the changes which would help reflect the overall LGA direction and priorities. SSCB further noted the proposed priorities of other LGA Boards and areas of joint interest/potential overlap.

Actions

• Officers to circulate a note regarding the legal position of the Fire services striking.