Agenda item

Report of the Chief Fire Officer

Craig Parkin, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, presented the report which updates the committee on the current position regarding the Emergency Services Network (ESN).

The current emergency service and public safety communications contract is due to expire in 2020. In March 2016 NFRS agreed to join the Emergency Services Mobile Communications Programme (ESMCP), a Central Government initiative whereby participating emergency services worked together to model and create a new, more efficient and secure communications system which meets their specific needs. Initially it was anticipated the transition to a new system would take place during the summer of 2018, and this was reflected in the funding received from Central Government. However, the task is very complex and there have been several delays, including a Central Government review of its original business case which it now considers to be undeliverable, the outcome of which and recommendations are expected to be released towards the end of year.

By taking part in the work around ESMCP, NFRS committed resources which aligned with the government funding. However, as progress is delayed but the cost of maintaining dedicated specialist officers and facilities is on-going, a significant financial risk has been identified for NFRS in that there is no clear indication from Central Government that it will cover the cost of the extending schedule of the programme.

It is anticipated that the review will recommend an incremental transition to a new communications system, as per the requests from individual services but this could take several years for all services to transition.

As the current system, Airwave, was due to become obsolete, manufacturers of the equipment which supports this system have been phasing out production which means that repair and maintenance is becoming very difficult. Although this may raise concerns for public confidence in the service, NFRS can provide assurance that there is currently no risk to the service as a result. This position will be regularly reviewed and updated.

Member’s questions were responded to as follows:

(a)  Central Government will allocate some funding to cover the cost of the delay, the amount of which will be dependent on a value for money extension assessment  based on the CIPFA value for money tool which will examine how NFRS has spent the grant money so far. Senior Officers are confident that the Service will not be challenged on value for money but it is currently unclear how Central Government will apportion the additional cost. The Policy and Strategy Committee and Finance and Resources Committee will receive full reports;

(b)  the new system will be based on 4G technology but negotiations with potential providers are ongoing.

It is recognised that technology develops quickly but Members of the committee commented that it is very frustrating that this program is taking so long and has become so complicated. The dedicated ESN team should be congratulated on their work so far.

Members of the committee suggested that a message should be sent to Central Government that the Authority is not happy that tax payers’ money appears to have been wasted on the initial work undertaken.

RESOLVED to note the report and agree to receive further updates as the project develops.