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 February 2007, 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 meeting of the West Midlands Regional Management Board (WMRMB), held on 25 January 2007, and agree the recommendations at items 3/07, 4/07, 5/07 and 7/07. Please note that the papers relating to this meeting are not attached but can be found on the WMRMB website via the following link: http://www.wmrmb.co.uk/about-wmrmb/meetings/public/2007-01-25-wmrmb.htm

To receive the non- minutes of the Human Resources Committee meeting, held on 1 March 2007 and agree the recommendations at items 4, 5, 6 and 7. The minutes are attached marked 6 and the draft Promoting Gender Equality Scheme is attached marked 6a.

To receive the non-exempt minutes of the Strategy and Resources Committee meeting, held on 8 March 2007, and agree the recommendation at item 5. The minutes are attached marked 7 and the variations to be approved are attached marked 7a.

To receive the non-confidential minutes of the Audit and Performance Management Committee meeting, held on 29 March 2007.

Mr Tony Corcoran from the Audit Commission will attend to present the Annual Audit and Inspection Letter and the Use of Resources Auditor Judgements 2006, which Members are required to accept formally. Attached marked 9a and 9b respectively.

This report sets out the current arrangements regarding the quorum for Fire Authority committees and asks Members to consider whether they wish to make any changes to these arrangements.

This report informs Members of the progress of the Retained Review Implementation Project.

Regional Control Centre Update The Local Authority Controlled Company was formally established on 19 February 2007, when the Articles of Association were registered at Companies House. Members will, however, need to agree upon a number of important issues before the Company can hold an inaugural meeting, including the Member's Agreement and the correct method for cost apportionment across the Region. Once the Board meets officially it can begin to address the Company's business arrangements and to examine, and give direction on, important issues such as: _list Selection of the Regional Control Centre Director Human resource issues, such as staff numbers and shift patterns Ensuring that appropriate conditions are in place regarding a range of contracts, into which the company will need to enter _list These decisions are vital and are required to ensure the overall project is able to progress effectively. The tendering process for the infrastructure service contract has been completed with EADS Defence and Security Systems announced as the successful bidder. It is anticipated that a number of key documents will now be made available, namely the Full Business Case, Transitional Plans and information on the proposed national functions cost apportionment model. For information

This report provides Members with a summary overview of the Fire and Rescue Performance Framework 2006/07 (introduced by the Audit Commission in 2006), together with the recently published performance results in respect of this Fire Authority and other English Fire and Rescue Authorities.

This report outlines the possible impact upon the Fire Authority of the proposals for the move to unitary status of local government within Shropshire and recommends a response to the current consultation process.

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, 2, 3 and 4 and of confidential information.

To agree the exempt minutes of the Fire Authority meeting, held on 14 February 2007, and that they be signed by the Chair as a correct record. Attached marked 18. For decision

To receive the confidential minutes of the Audit and Performance Management Committee meeting, held on 29 March 2007. Attached marked 20. For information