21 February 2024

Members are reminded that they must not participate in the discussion or voting on any matter, in which they have a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest, and should leave the room prior to the commencement of the debate. 

Members are asked to agree the non-exempt minutes, attached marked 4, of the Fire Authority meeting, held on 13 December 2023, and that they be signed by the Chair as a correct record. 

Attachment	Size
04- NON-EXEMPT Fire Authority Minutes 13 December 2023	143.74 KB

Members have a discretion to exclude the press and public from meetings of the Fire Authority in defined circumstances.   

In view of the nature of business to be transacted, it is recommended that under Section 100 (A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, having been satisfied in all the circumstances of the case that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing this information, that Members formally resolve that the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information, as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972. 

Members are asked to agree the exempt minutes, attached marked 8, of the Strategy and Resources meeting, held on 31 January 2024, and that they be signed by the Chair as a correct record. 

This report, attached marked 10, asks the Fire Authority to ratify the decision of its Brigade Managers’ Employment Panel (BMEP) on the appointment of a new Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO). 

This report, attached marked 12, addresses the ongoing issues faced by Shropshire Fire Service with the current Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) software and recommends the procurement of a new MDT software solution. 

At this point the meeting will revert to open session. 

This report, attached marked 14, seeks Fire Authority approval to a budget for 2024/25; Council Tax levels for 2024/25; and precepts on billing authorities and related matters. 

Attachment	Size
14- Revenue Budget 2024/25 Precept	233.03 KB
14- Revenue Budget 202425 Precept.pdf	233.03 KB

This report, attached marked 16, sets out the proposal for the Service’s Annual Plan 2024/25. 

Attachment	Size
16- Annual Plan 2024/25	69.52 KB

This report, attached marked 18, sets out proposed amendments to the Pay Policy Statement for the consideration by the full Authority, as required under the Localism Act 2011 and in accordance with the process agreed by the Fire Authority in February 2012.  

Attachment	Size
18- Proposed Amendments to the Pay Policy Statement 2024/25	316.11 KB

This report, attached marked 20, provides an update to Members regarding the Government’s response to the Consultation on the Fire Reform Paper. It provides an overview of the proposed reforms aimed at enhancing flexibility, culture, and professionalism within the fire service. Key elements include the establishment of a College of Fire and Rescue, a statutory code of ethics, and operational independence for chief officers. 

The report also addresses the financial, legal, and community safety implications of these reforms, underscoring their potential impact on training, insurance, and public value, while emphasising the potential of operational and structural changes in the UK fire service. 

Attachment	Size
20- Government Consultation Response to Fire Reform White Paper	91.75 KB