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Confirm the Minutes of the Meeting held on 1 December 2022

    ITEM 4

Present: 

Councillors: T Ainsworth, E Williams, N Gourlay, R Iliffe, J Woolley, D Taylor, S Bull, S Swann, R Ashton, L Ramsey, J Innes, N Peatfield, K Gillott, S Burfoot and Skelton

Officers in Attendance: 

  • L Taylor                      Solicitor/Monitoring Officer
  • M Nash                      Head of Corporate Financial Services/Treasurer                      
  • G Tomlinson             Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive
  • L Slade                      Committee Clerk

61/22 PUBLIC QUESTION TIME 

  1. No public questions have been received. 

62/22 APOLOGIES 

  1. Councillor G Potter.

63/22 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST 

  1. None. 

64/22 TO CONFIRM THE MINUTES OF THE FIRE & RESCUE AUTHORITY MEETING HELD ON 1 DECEMBER 2023

  1. Members confirmed the minutes as a correct record. 
    • Recorded votes: Unanimous 
    • Cllr Ainsworth proposed, Cllr Bull seconded

65/22 TO CONFIRM THE MINUTES OF THE GOVERNANCE AND PERFORMANCE WORKING GROUP MEETING HELD ON 21 NOVEMBER 2022 

  1. Members confirmed the minutes as a correct record.​​​​​​​
    • Recorded votes: Unanimous
    • Cllr Ainsworth proposed,  Cllr Woolley seconded

66/22 TO CONFIRM THE MINUTES OF THE INCLUSION AND EQUALITY FORUM MEETING HELD ON 6 DECEMBER 2022

  1. Members confirmed the minutes as a correct record.​​​​​​​
    • Recorded votes: Unanimous
    • Cllr Ainsworth proposed,  Cllr Woolley seconded

67/22 REVENUE BUDGET 2023/24 AND THE MEDIUM TERM FINANCIAL PLAN FOR 2023/24 TO 2026/27

  1. The Treasurer presented Members with the proposals for the 2023/24 Revenue Budget and the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) for 2023/24 to 2026/27.  It outlines assumptions, including pay and inflation increases, growth and savings, contained within the budget estimates.  The reports serves to inform and update Members on:
    • The Local Government Finance Settlement 2023/24;
    • The Proposed Revenue Budget 2023/24;
    • Council Tax and Precept Increase;
    • Feedback on Budget and Service Consultations;
    • The Four Year Financial Plan;
    • The Robustness of Estimates and Level of Reserves
  2. Members noted that the draft budget is based upon Council Taxbase estimates, localised Business Rates Income estimates and Council Tax and Business Rates Collection Fund deficit estimates.  The position will chance upon receipt of billing authority notifications and any adverse effect will be adjusted through the use of reserves.
  3. The Treasurer confirm the most significant items within the Local Governance Finance Settlement for the Fire & Rescue Authority as being:
    • Revenue Support Grant being index linked to CPI
    • Business Rate Income index linked to CPI
    • Continuation of a reduced Revenue Services Grant (initially announced as one off)
    • Council Tax referendum limit of £5
  4. Figures within the MTFP are based on a proposed annual council tax increase of £5 in 2023/24 and 2% in future years.  Precepting at £5 provides an additional £1.6m to the Authority in 2023/24 and £6.5m over the period 2023/24 to 2026/27.  The additional precept allows the Service to maintain the current level of service delivery provision whilst financing essential investment in new fire stations, appliances and equipment required by Firefighters.
  5. The Treasurer also confirmed the level of Reserves which provides an update to the Medium Term Financial Strategy 2023/24 to 2026/27 and in particular changes to the capital financing strategy.  The 2022/23 Estimated Opening Reserves are of an appropriate level to provide financial resilience in the medium term and will be key to the delivery of planned investment.  However, the risk of funding reductions in future years and the need for continued investments in the Service must be considered.
  6. The Authority is mindful of the need to continue to invest in change, collaborative working and to obtain future sustainable savings through the streamlining and continuous review of its services.
  7. A Labour Member confirmed support for the recommendations within the report, however recognised the challenges ahead, in particular around the conclusion of the grey book pay award and the implications on the revenue budget.
  8. In relation to a query around the significant level of vacancies being experienced across the support establishment, the Chair confirmed that these posts will be filled and are required on the establishment.
  9. The Chief Fire Officer supported this comment by confirming that the Service has been seen the impact of two key members of the Strategic Leadership Team leaving but there are plans to fill the roles.  The Wholetime establishment is currently 0.5 of a post over which is the first time in several years.  Members noted that recruitment is now undertaken when vacancies arise rather than pre planning alongside a retirement profile like previous years.

    Resolved:
     
  10. Members approved a net budget requirement of £44.9m for 2023/24.
  11. Members approved the 2023-27 Reserves Strategy which includes a Statement of Estimated Reserves and all reserve transfers contained within as illustrated in Appendix 2 of the report.
  12. Members noted the Local Government Settlement, Council Tax Base and Collection Fund positions as outlined in Section 4 and 6 of the report.
  13. Members approved the Council Tax precept increase of £5 per Band D household.
  14. Members approved to notify the precept to the Billing Authorities based on the determination of the precept.
  15. Members noted the medium term financial position for 2023/24 to 2026/27 and the financial pressures and uncertainty in all years of the MTFP.
  16. Members noted the Treasurer’s comments about the robustness of estimates, adequacy of reserves and potential liabilities that may arise in future years.
  17. Members noted a separate report on this agenda outlining the 2023/24 to 2025/26 Capital Programme, Prudential Code Report and Treasury Management Strategy.
  18. Members approved to delegate to the Treasurer, authority to update the 2023/24 Revenue Budget through a change in use of reserves if necessary, following the receipt of Council Tax and NNDR information from billing authorities.
    • Recorded votes:       Unanimous
    • Cllr Ainsworth proposed,  Cllr Ashton seconded

68/22 CAPITAL BUDGET MONITORING 2022/23, CAPITAL PROGRAMME 2023/24 – 2025/26 AND PRUDENTIAL CODE REPORT AND TREASURY MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

  1. The Treasurer presented the 2022/23 Capital Monitoring position as at November 2022 and recommended for approval the Capital Programme for 2023/24 and the Capital Programme for 2024/25 to 2025/26 for consideration.  Recommendations were also made as required under the CIPFA Prudential Code for Capital Finance including the Treasury Management Strategy and Treasury Management Practices.
  2. Members noted that the light fleet provision continues to be reviewed and approval is sought to reduce and re-allocate the budgets for these schemes to reflect the service improvement project findings and increase the flexibility within the fleet by introducing additional vans and reducing the provision of cars.
  3. The Treasurer confirmed there are no amendments to the existing prudential indicators.  A new indicator has been introduced which estimates and measures the liability benchmark for a minimum of the next three years and compares existing loan portfolio with proposed borrowing needs.
  4. Members noted the capital expenditure plans set out in Section 3 and 4 which provide details of the activity of the Authority.  The Treasury Management functions ensures that the Authority’s cash is organised in accordance with the relevant professional codes, so that sufficient cash is available to meet this service activity.  This will involve both the organisation of the cash flow and where capital plans require it, the organisation of appropriate borrowing facilities.  The strategy covers the relevant treasury / prudential indicators, the current and projected debt positions and the annual investment strategy.
  5. A Conservative Member welcomed the Members Treasury Management Self-Assessment Tool as at Appendix 5 which has been introduced to help members identify any areas where support or training is needed to ensure development of effective.  Previous training for Members was welcomed by the Authority.
  6. A Liberal Democrat Member asked if there has been an increase in risk within the Treasury Management Strategy even though there is no significant change from last year.  In response the Treasurer confirmed that any borrowing that cannot be satisfied will be taken in the short term with the option of refinance at reduced rates.  By doing so, the Authority is able to reduce net borrowing costs and reduce overall treasury risk.  The Authority will also now consider loans from other sources including banks, pensions and local authorities in order to lower interest costs.

    Resolved:
     
  7. Members noted the capital monitoring position as at 30 November 2022 as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.
  8. Members approved slippage of £0.300m for the new Fire Station scheme at Matlock.
  9. Members approved slippage of £1.249m for the Emergency Services Network scheme.
  10. Members approved the £0.033m overall reduction and re-allocation of the light fleet vehicle budgets between the approved schemes.
  11. Members approved three new and fleet equipment scheme totalling £0.130m.
  12. Members approved the 2023/24 Capital programme of £8.271m as detailed in Appendix 2 of the report.
  13. Members approved to delegate to the Head of Corporate Financial Services/Treasurer, authority to approve new borrowing, up to the Capital Financing Requirement, at the time he believes is most prudent.
  14. Members approved the Prudential Indicators and MRP Policy as set out in Section 6 of the report.
  15. Members approved the Treasury Management Strategy for 2023/24 as set out in Appendix 3 of the report.
  16. Members approved the Treasury Management Practices as set out in Appendix 4 of the report.
  17. Members noted the CIPFA Members Treasury Management Self-Assessment Tool as set out in Appendix 5 of the report.
    • Recorded votes:       Unanimous
    • Cllr Ainsworth proposed,  Cllr Ashton seconded

69/22 UPDATE FROM CHIEF FIRE OFFICER/CHIEF EXECUTIVE

  1. The Chief Fire Officer started by providing Members with an overview of incidents of note that had taken place since the last meeting in February.
  2. One of the incidents of note was a fatal fire at Willersley Lane, Cromford where tragically a 91-year-old woman lost her life due to an electrical fire.  Members asked questions regarding there having been no previous fire service contact with the deceased.  Members were given assurances about the identification of vulnerable individuals through the risk stratification index.
  3. Members noted that industrial action preparation continues, ensuring communication is maintained with staff across the Service.  A decision has been made by the National Police Chief’s Council to not support the fire service during periods of industrial action, therefore the current memorandum of understanding for Control between Derbyshire Police and Fire is not able to be utilised.  The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) have been offered a revised pay deal of 7% backdated to July 2022 with an additional 5% from July 2023.  There is currently a pause on industrial action whilst the FBU consults with its members.  Members noted if accepted, this pay award would be unfunded.
  4. The Chief Fire Officer confirmed the introduction of the Fire Safety England Regulations on the back of the recommendations within the Grenfell inquiry report. 
  5. Members noted that Davinder Johal has joined the Strategic Leadership Team in the role of temporary Area Manager whilst recruitment is undertaken for the role of Director of People Services.
  6. At the last Fire Authority meeting, Members noted the Service had been shortlisted in several categories at the Excellence in Fire Awards.  The Chief Fire Officer was pleased to announce that On-Call Firefighter, Paul Sayles, was announced as the winner of the ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Fire and Rescue Service’ award.
  7. Finally following the tragic death of Scottish Firefighter Barry Martin, the Chief Fire Officer updated Members on the letter of support sent to the Chief Fire Officer of the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service. Members noted this and asked that their condolences and message of support be passed on too.  
  8. In response to queries around how industrial action planning has affected training courses, the Chief Fire Officer confirmed that if there is no resolution we could see some impact in the coming weeks.  To date, no core skills courses have been cancelled and are set to be delivered in 2023 as planned.

70/22 HIS MAJESTY’S INSPECTORATE OF CONSTABULARY AND FIRE & RESCUE SERVICES INSPECTION REPORT

  1. Members noted the contents of the report.
  2. A Labour Member asked if the report could be discussed in further detail at the next Members development day and Members acknowledged that the associated action plan is everyone’s responsibility to help deliver.
  3. A Conservative Member assured Members that the Governance & Performance Working Group, along with the Inclusion & Equality Forum will provide ongoing scrutiny to the report and action plan along with putting in place any training that is required.

71/22 CONSULTATION RESULTS ON OUR PLAN 2023-2026 AND OUR BUDGET 2023-2024

  1. Members noted the contents of the report.