Agenda item

To consider a public consultation document (copy attached) to provide an opportunity for the Committee to contribute ideas towards the development of the North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority’s Environmental Strategy.

10.05 a.m. – 10.45 a.m.

The Assistant Chief Officer, Shân Morris, introduced the presentation – North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority – Environment and Sustainability Strategy (previously circulated).  Also in attendance from the North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority (the Authority) were Kevin Roberts, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, and Pippa Hardwick, Corporate Planning Manager.

This year, the Authority had been asking local authorities about developing a long-term Environment and Sustainable Strategy.  What should the Strategy include?  What should be at the forefront of the Authority’s thinking in terms of planning for the next 20 or 30 years?  What ideas does the Scrutiny Committee have for the services that it might provide in the next decades?

During discussion, the following Points were raised:

·         It was confirmed that the Authority worked closely with councils’ social care departments, health and third sectors to be able to connect with the most vulnerable citizens in the area.  20,000 home checks had been carried out and call outs had been reduced over the last 10 years by 50%.  During home checks, issues e.g. suspected safeguarding and domestic abuse were referred to the council.

The Authority were in discussions with Care and Repair.  Care and Repair are a charity who help older people in Wales live independently in their own homes.  They offer practical help from delivering major modifications for people most in need to offering advice and recommendations to people who need reliable professionals to carry out work.  The involvement of Care and Repair would enable one organisation to carry out a number of jobs which would be better for vulnerable individuals and also for the environment.

·         The employment of a Moorlands Officer was raised.  It was confirmed that Denbighshire would likely be willing to host the post with discussions currently taking place with Natural Resources Wales and the North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority regarding funding.  To date there was no further information as to when the Moorlands Officer post would be confirmed.

·         The Chief Executive explained the Denbighshire Electric First Policy.  If a vehicle was due to be replaced, it would be replaced with an electric vehicle wherever possible.  Shân Morris confirmed such a Policy was not in place at the Authority.  It was agreed to share the Electric First Policy with the Authority to assist.

·         The emergency response was organised around 44 fire stations located across North Wales with a fleet of 54 fire engines and 35 other appliances including environmental protection units, aerial ladder platforms, narrow access vehicles, foam carriers, boats, technical rescue and incident command units.  It also maintained a “white” fleet of over 100 vehicles for non-emergency work.  The “white” fleet of vehicles could be, in time, replaced with electric vehicles but the same could not be done with the “red” vehicles.

·         71% of the Authority’s budget was for employee costs.  20% non-pay costs. 10% on capital financing and the equivalent of 1% being received by way of income.

·         How climate change might affect resources – a risk assessment was yet to be carried out as to how climate change might affect resources.  A pilot scheme was due to commence to measure the carbon footprint.  Consultants, Etha, were aware of the issues and difficulties. 

Councillor Joan Butterfield explained about a newly formed Denbighshire panel, the Climate Change and Ecological Emergency Working Group.  Assistant Chief Officer Morris requested being sighted on the Group’s activities and initiatives.  There was a possibility information could be shared through the Public Services Board meetings.

·         No funding was available to the Authority to provide Carbon Monoxide monitors but Care and Repair were able to provide them to vulnerable individuals.

·         In respect of high-rise buildings, it was confirmed that aerial ladder platforms were located within areas of North Wales so they would be able to attend any incident within 30 minutes.  The “Stay Put Policy” had worked well for many years but had not worked in the Grenville tower block due to the cladding and windows.  Work was continually ongoing with Building Managers and evacuation plans were in place.

At this juncture, the Committee thanked the North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority for all the work they carried out.

RESOLVED that:

·         The Partnership Scrutiny Committee note the North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority’s Environment and Sustainability Strategy

·         The North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority be requested to consider the Moorland Officer post with Natural Resources Wales and Denbighshire County Council

·         Corporate Activity – Electric First Policy to be shared with the North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority

·         Model climate change and emergency response work information to be shared with the North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority.