Issue - meetings

To receive a report from the Chief Fire Officer, which explores how Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service performed against key operational and corporate health measures in the period 1 April 2021 through to 31 March 2022.

Councillor Ian Stephens left the meeting

The Authority received a report from the Chief Fire Officer (item 11 in the minute book), which explored how Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service performed against key operational and corporate health measures in the period 1 April 2021 through to 31 March 2022.

The officer summarised the report, emphasising the prevention work that had taken place as well as the close working with partners.

During questions, Members learned that whilst there were no powers of entry with Safe & Well Visits, the Service did work closely with partners and regularly review those most at risk.

In paragraph 11 of the report it was confirmed that one of the national fire standards did not apply to the Authority and officers would confirm what this was and confirm at a future meeting.

Members raised concerns regarding the number of false alarms being generated in newer developments and also the ongoing slower response times being recorded, and it was confirmed that there were both areas being investigated further to see where improvements could be made.

RESOLVED

a) The 2021/22 End of Year Performance Report was noted by the  HIWFRA Full Authority

b) The 2021/22 Safety Plan Year 2 Improvements Report was noted by the HIWFRA Full Authority

To receive a report from the Chief Fire Officer, which explores how the Service has performed against a range of measures, including key operational and corporate health measures.

The Authority received the end of year performance and safety plan report from the Chief Fire Officer (item 11 in the minute book), which detailed progress with performance and safety within the Fire and Rescue Service.

It was acknowledged that 2020-2021 had been an anomaly year with the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent challenges, but the Service had lead the resilience forum, as well as managing the set-up of the Combined Fire Authority (CFA) and business as usual work.

It was acknowledged that fire fatalities had increased in the year, but a full review was always undertaken and this had been affected by the amount of time people had been spending at home following local restrictions. Learning that had been captured from fire-related incidents was highlighted in paragraph 8 of the report.

It was confirmed that the 11.4% turnover in staff was not a particularly high amount compared to other Fire Services and was primarily down to retirement of staff.

Learning was still being consolidated following the pandemic and whilst there had been restrictions implemented throughout the year, the Service had continued to work with the most vulnerable and isolated in society to maintain their safety.

Looking at the CFA, it was confirmed that an amalgamation had been done with figures where possible, but there were differences in how things had historically been reported. This would be a focus going forward, particularly looking at rurality and the challenges it posed.

The Chief Fire Officer thanked officers for their work and invited Members to contribute to how they thought performance updates could be monitored going forward.

RESOLVED

a) The 2020/21 End of Year Performance Report was noted by the HIWFRA Full Authority

b) The 2020/21 Safety Plan Year 1 Improvements Report was noted by the HIWFRA Full Authority