220815 PFRC Minute
North Ayrshire Council · 14 November 2022
Back to Police and Fire and Rescue Committee — 14 November 2022 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Police and Fire and Rescue Committee 15 August 2022 IRVINE - At a Meeting of the Police and Fire and Rescue Committee of North Ayrshire Council at 2.00 p.m. Present Donald Reid, Nairn McDonald, John Glover, Jean McClung, Davina McTiernan, Donald L. Reid and John Sweeney. Also Present Cameron Inglis. In Attendance R. Lynch, Senior Manager Legal Services, Robin McElhone, Graduate Legal Services, D. McCaw and C. Stewart, Committee Services Officers (Chief Executive’s Service). Also In Attendance Chief Superintendent F. Hussain and Chief Inspector G. Grant (Police Scotland); Area Commander I. McMeekin, Group Commander S. Campbell and Station Commander N. Shearer (Scottish Fire and Rescue Service). Chair Councillor Donald Reid in the Chair. Apologies Scott Davidson, Scott Gallacher and Angela Stephen. 1. Declarations of Interest There were no declarations of interest by Members in terms of Standing Order 11 and Section 5 of the Code of Conduct for Councillors. 2. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Performance and Service Update Submitted report by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) which provided information on progress against the North Ayrshire Local Fire and Rescue Plan for the period 1 April 2022 – 30 June 2022. Appendix A to the report provided an analysis of the performance across six indicators, using the rolling three-year average as a basis of measuring performance. The statistical information identified a 10.9% decrease in activity levels across the local authority when compared to the corresponding period in 2021. A further review of the three-year average indicated a 3% decrease in overall operational activity during a similar timeframe. Data on Home Fire Safety Visits, Fire Safety Audits and the retained duty system was also provided within the report and additional context was provided by Area Commander McMeekin to the meeting.
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Updates were also provided in relation to the consultation process for the draft SFRS Strategic Plan 2022-25, a Youth Volunteer Scheme at Kilwinning Community Fire Station, participation in Carbon Literacy Training via the North Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership, development of a new approach to help reduce the number of fires occurring within non-domestic premises and participation in a series of ‘Courageous Conversations on Race’ events. Members asked questions and were provided with further information in relation to:- • public reporting methods in terms of anti-social vandalism fires; • the benefits of multi-agency engagement and diversionary work to assist as vandalism deterrents; • any access issues encountered by the Fire Service when responding to emergency calls; • bespoke home safety fire visits tailored to individual needs and used to highlight areas of concern through appropriate referral pathways; • the differences between full time and retained duty systems operated across North Ayrshire; • potential changes in operational demand resulting from the impact of climate change in terms of flooding, grass fires etc. and any emerging risk from the cost of living crisis; • prevention work in schools through community safety teams; • the development of local priorities and the ongoing consultation in relation to the Strategic Plan; • partnership working during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic; and • the linked fire alarm legislation and the importance of early detection. Noted. 3. Police Scotland Performance Update Submitted report by Police Scotland on performance in relation to the North Ayrshire Local Policing Plan for the period 1 April 2022 - 30 June 2022 together with an overview of performance for year end 2021/22. A summary of current local policing plan priorities was also detailed. The report provided information on North Ayrshire’s performance, including a 1.3% decrease in the total number of crimes. The report further outlined progress in the areas of serious crime, safer communities, acquisitive crime, community wellbeing, road safety and public confidence with additional context being provided by Chief Superintendent Hussain to the meeting. Members asked questions and were provided with further information in relation to:- • the increase in racial hate crime figures, with 13 directed to members of the public and one to Police Scotland; • response times in connection with the high number of calls received to the emergency 999 and the 101 contact numbers;
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• the feedback from constituents around contacting the Police and resulting response times; • advice to members of the public to continue with any call to the 101 number until answered by operators, to allow accurate data to be gathered on response times in future; • the important role played by the Campus Officers and work with education colleagues to raise awareness in terms of anti-social behaviour; • any impact on the workforce across North Ayrshire as a result of pension changes and service retirals; • the speeding offence figures and the impact of restrictions during the Covid- 19 pandemic; • the increase in drug driving figures and methods available for detection; • methods of contact in relation to reporting of scammers and rogue traders; • monitoring and addressing community concerns and follow up methods for the Police Confidence Survey; and • whether visits to the Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service HQs would be beneficial to new Members as part of the induction process. Chief Superintendent Hussain undertook to circulate information in relation to the ‘Shut out Scammers’ campaign which provided details of organisations and resources available to provide advice and help to the public. Noted. 4. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Strategic Plan 2022-2025 Consultation Submitted report by the Head of Democratic Services on the consultation request and response submitted on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Strategic Plan 2022-2025. The response, while welcoming the direction of travel required to provide a modern, comprehensive, proactive and responsive Fire and Rescue Service, made further comments which were detailed at Appendix 1 to the report. Members commented on the timing of the consultation, noting that the Council had been in summer recess, and asked that partner organisation timescales be taken into consideration in terms of future consultation. The Committee agreed to (a) note the terms of the consultation request; and (b) approve submission of the draft response detailed at Appendix 1 to the report. 5. Review of Joint Strategic Police Plan 2020-2023 Submitted report by the Head of Democratic Services on the consultation request and proposed response on the Review of the Joint Strategic Police Plan 2020-2023 and on progress in delivering the five strategic outcomes. The findings on the initial desktop review to assess progress on the future delivery of policing, and on any gaps in provision of service, were detailed in Appendix 1 to the report. Members commented on the timing of the consultation, noting that the Council had been in summer recess, and asked that partner organisation timescales be taken into consideration in terms of future consultation.
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The Committee agreed to (a) note the terms of the consultation request; and (b) instruct and authorise the Head of Democratic Services to submit a response, in consultation with the Chair, on behalf of the Committee. The meeting ended at 3.55 p.m.