Minutes:
The Chair invited Mark Norris (MN), Principal Policy Adviser, to introduce the item.
MN reported that the Government response to the White Paper consultation was likely to be published before the summer Parliamentary recess (20 July). As FSMC was not due to meet again until 6 October, members views were sought on some proposed broad principles (set out in paragraph 18 of the report) to enable the LGA to respond, in consultation with the Lead Members, once the Government document is published. MN said that the Home Office were keen to talk to FSMC about possible ways of improving accountability and transparency in FRAs without mandatory governance changes, but wanted to wait until the Government White Paper response had been signed off by ministers. It was hoped that either the Minister, and/or officials, would be able to attend the Fire Commission meeting on 22 September to discuss the way forward.
Members’ comments and questions:
· In response to a query from the Chair, MN clarified that the LGA would be looking to put out a press release, straight after publication of the Government response. For speed and expediency, this would need to be signed off by Lead Members. A more detailed response to the proposals could then be drawn up through consultation with members at both the scheduled Fire Commission and FSMC meetings.
· Some members considered that the three principles outlined in paragraph 18 needed to be more positive, recognising the need for, and welcoming some reform in the sector. For example, it was stated that both operational independence and qualifications for CFOs would be positive and welcome reforms to the sector.
· Members agreed that changes to governance could be beneficial but needed to be evidence-based and supported locally, not imposed on FRAs by Government. This had always been the LGA position and should remain so.
· It was suggested that consideration be given to whether there is a need for the LGAs response and discussions with the Home Office to indicate legislative changes to enable FRAs to address issues with culture in services, particularly on employment law and disciplinary procedures.
· It was considered important that the fire service retained its own identity and did not get subsumed within a Police College.
· It was suggested that the LGA response should include recognition of the efficiency and effectiveness of the NJC in industrial relations matters, but recognising consideration it could be given to improvement, by the UK-wide partners themselves and not by a Home Office top-down approach.
· It was considered that operational independence was not an issue for county brigades as councils already had clear demarcation between strategic and operational matters through clear schemes of delegation.
· In relation to the West Midlands Combined Mayoral Authority, Cllr Brackenridge stated that transfer of governance from the existing FRA to a Mayor would not be supported by the constituent authorities, nor would any proposed executive arrangements reporting in to the Mayor. He added that the proposal for a Mayoral arrangement was rejected unanimously by the West Mids metropolitan leaders, PCC and West Mids fire authority members previously and in the recent White Paper response.
MN thanked members for their input and said that officers would start work on redrafting the principles based on this feedback. This would go to Lead Members in the first instance, with a more detailed proposal being taken to the wider Fire Commission and FSMC at their next meetings.
Decision:
Fire Services Management Committee agreed that officers should redraft the principles set out in paragraph 18 based on members’ feedback and seek agreement from the Lead Members in the first instance to inform an initial response to the Government’s Fire Reform White Paper response, and then draw up a more detailed response in consultation with Fire Commission and FSMC.