Meeting Details

Members are reminded that they should declare any personal and/or prejudicial interests at this point and that they should leave the meeting before any item, in which they have a prejudicial interest, is discussed.

To agree the non-exempt minutes of the Fire Authority meeting, held on 14 December 2005, and that they be signed by the Chair as a correct record.

To receive any questions, statements or petitions, of which notice has been received, from members of the public.

To receive the minutes of the inaugural meeting of the Performance Management Committee meeting, held on 9 January 2006.

To receive the minutes of the Strategy and Resources Committee meeting, held on 19 January 2006. Also attached, marked 6a, is a copy of the Fire Authority's Consultation Response relating to the Revenue Support Grant for 2006/07 and 2007/08.

To receive the minutes of the Standards Committee meeting, held on 24 January 2006, and agree the recommendation at item 5.

The report of the Clerk proposes changes in the constitution of several committees to enable the business of the Fire Authority to be carried out more effectively and to take into account guidance issued by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy regarding audit committees. The report also asks the Fire Authority to nominate Members to participate in the Community Liaison Panel.

The Audit Commission will attend the meeting to present the Annual Audit Letter following the 2004/05 audit of the Fire Authority. A copy of the Annual Audit Letter is attached marked 9a. The Fire Authority is required formally to accept or reject the Letter.

The report of the Treasurer seeks Fire Authority approval to a budget for 2006/07; Council Tax levels for 2006/07; and precepts on billing authorities and related matters.

The report of the Chief Fire Officer seeks Members' approval for the continuation of the Retained Review Team and for the Team's terms of reference to be changed from one of Review to Implementation of Recommendations.

The report of the Chief Fire Officer updates Members on the progress of both national projects and recommends methods of supporting these critical infrastructure initiatives.

The report of the Chief Fire Officer advises Members of the 2006/08 Performance Plan requirements for single purpose fire and rescue authorities in England and Wales.

The report of the Chief Fire Officer requests guidance and direction from Members as to the position the Fire Authority should take in replying to a number of consultation documents concerning service reorganisation and reconfiguration in the region.

The report of the Chief Fire Officer requests that the Fire Authority agree to funding for the Equalities Forum and gives background information around this request for funding.

The report of the Clerk advises Members of the dates proposed for meetings of the Fire Authority and its Committees for 2006/2007.

To consider a resolution under section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 that the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information, as defined by the provisions of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Act, by virtue of paragraphs 1 and 11. The following report is not available to the public by virtue of the above section of the Local Government Act 1972.

To agree the exempt minutes of the Fire Authority meeting, held on 14 December 2005, and that they be signed by the Chair as a correct record.