Agenda item

Report of the Chief Fire Officer

John Buckley, Chief Fire Officer, presented the report which provides an overview of the sustainability strategy for 2020, which aimed to save £4.5 million to mitigate the long-term potential funding shortfall, whilst having the least possible impact on frontline services.

The following points were highlighted:

(a)  following extensive public consultation, a new crewing system has been implemented at Ashfield and Retford stations, whilst response standards are still met;

(b)  an IRMP (Integrated Risk Management Plan) will be undertaken across the county next year;

(c)  increased staffing levels at Retford have been achieved from 11 to 14 members of staff, with ongoing recruitment. Staffing at Ashfield has been maintained;

(d)  availability of on-call staff at both stations has improved, which is a credit to the crews;

(e)  at Ashfield 70% of the time, both appliances were available, and at least 95% of the time one appliance was available;

(f)  at Retford, 45% of the time both appliances were available, and 89% fire cover was available for one appliance. Issues have been identified at ‘pinch times’ at the start and end of a working day and are being responded to;

(g)  night working has been removed and the length and times of shifts is to be considered in more depth;

(h)  the aim was to save £1.12m but achieved £1.18. The additional savings are required to be reinvested into the recruitment of additional On-call firefighters;

(i)  arrangements across the county continue to be tweaked to achieve the best outturn implications for both the community and staff.

Comments from members included:

(j)  it was unfortunate that the Service had to rebuild on the same site at Retford as access to it is a ‘one-in and one-out’ arrangement;

(k)  there are strong views on mixed crewing and the implications of adding 2 minutes 18 seconds to the Ashfield response time is significant in some emergency circumstances, particularly when adding to the 5-6  minute attendance time can have significant life and death implications;

(l)  another concern for Ashfield is that neighbouring stations at Alfreton are considering reducing some of their services. Parts of Ashfield rely on the Alfreton station, in addition to their covering the section of the M1 around junctions 27 to 29. Assurance is sought that NFRS is aware and planning ahead for the potential impact;

The Chief Fire Officer assured the Authority that full feasibility studies are undertaken when proposing to build a new station, including consideration of relocation. With regard to Retford, it was necessary to rebuild on the same site to ensure that it is close to where on-call staff live and work. The same consideration is currently being undertaken with regard to Worksop.

NFRS works seamlessly with Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, whilst appliances may travel over the border in either direction, we do work closely with Derbyshire around IRMPs and are looking to align IRMPs in the future as part of the collaboration agenda. We are full consultees with Derbyshire and if there is a proposal to reduce cover, we will make full representation and work with them to find an appropriate resolution.

Resolved to:

(1)  note the contents of the report;

(2)  receive updates on the full integrated risk management planning process during the 2021/22 year.