Agenda item

To receive a presentation from the North Wales Fire & Rescue Service.

That the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service representatives be thanked for their attendance.

Representatives Shân Morris and Helen MacArthur (Assistant Chief Officers) and Stuart Millington (Senior Training and Development Manager) were welcomed to the meeting to give a verbal presentation on the North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority (NWFRA) developing a long-term Environment and Sustainability Strategy for 2020 onwards.

Whilst the significant financial challenges were highlighted in the previous year, the focus of this year’s consultation was to develop an overarching strategy setting out objectives on climate change, environmental and social responsibilities to help inform future planning.  The aim would be to adopt a different approach to working with partners and to minimise the impact on the budget of which 75% was apportioned to employee costs.  Members were advised that the responsive and preventative services equated to a cost of £50 per head of population across North Wales.  An overview was given of the preventative role which included activities to help keep people safe and identify social problems.  Amongst future challenges were the continuation of retained firefighting services and working with partner organisations to reduce the risk of flooding.

As a former member of the Fire Service, Councillor Cunningham recognised the value of retained firefighters and the impact of fire prevention activities.  On the consultation, he suggested the sharing of transport arrangements to board meetings.

Councillor Heesom highlighted flood risk and climate change as major issues, and said that the NWFRA should be consulted on planning applications, similar to Natural Resources Wales as the statutory consultee on flood risk.  It was explained that under current legislation, the service was consulted on two specific areas only - access for fire appliances and water supplies.  Councillor Heesom also asked about engagement with young people and was advised of the range of fire prevention and education activities undertaken with schools.

In response to a question from the Chairman, the representatives spoke about environmental responsibilities shared by all public bodies such as increased use of video conference meetings and energy efficient measures in buildings.  It was hoped that a switch from diesel fire appliance vehicles could be a future positive change, but this depended on manufacturers developing a suitable alternative.  The effective approach taken by the NWFRA to assess before responding, thereby reducing the number of false alarms attended, was viewed as good practice.

Following comments by Councillor Johnson on the potential for more fire prevention measures in rural areas, it was noted that the NWFRA worked with Natural Resources Wales to prioritise areas of risk and engage with landowners to improve land management, and that the introduction of wildfire teams during 2020 would also benefit.

Councillor Bateman commented on the impact of excessive on-street parking in some areas which could restrict access to fire appliance vehicles.  Whilst the NWFRA did not have any specific powers to resolve this, advice and support was available to make any necessary changes.

Councillor Woolley asked about future risks and what could be done to help.  Whilst the demography of North Wales and recruitment of retained firefighters in specific areas presented some challenges, councils across the region could help ensure the availability of retained firefighters by encouraging more businesses to release their employees from their workplace to undertake this role.

The Chief Executive commented on Flintshire’s stance as a responsible employer in supporting retained firefighters.  On the environment strategy, all public services had commitments and the achievement of carbon neutral targets was a significant national challenge which was being prioritised in regional discussions.  Work was underway on the Council’s response to climate change - discussed at the Environment Overview & Scrutiny Committee earlier in the week - and identified that changes in procurement practices could make a positive impact on the carbon footprint.

In thanking the representatives for their attendance and presentation, Councillor Roberts paid tribute to the Fire and Rescue Service for conducting regular safety checks at the high-rise flats in Flint, which provided assurance for residents.

RESOLVED:

That the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service representatives be thanked for their attendance.