Issue details

Future Mobilisation Arrangements for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service

The County Council acting as the West Sussex Fire and Rescue Authority (WSFRS) must meet its statutory duty with regard to receiving calls and mobilising to an emergency incident.  This service is currently provided through a joint arrangement with East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service under a service delegation Agreement made under section 16 Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004.

 

The Leader on behalf of the Cabinet Member for Safer, Stronger Communities took a decision (ref: SSC4 18.19) to serve notice of termination on the current Section 16 Agreement. The notice was issued in August 2018 and the termination is effective from February 2020.

 

This is a time critical project with a short delivery window to ensure the statutory duties of the Fire Authority are met. Over the past eight months officers have been evaluating suitable mobilising options for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.

 

These evaluations considered around 20 different options with five being considered as options worthy of further appraisal. These five options were investigated taking into account collaboration opportunities for Fire and Rescue, Technological and Financial aspects of delivering this service to provide a balance of excellent service to our residents, safety of our firefighters and value for money.

 

There are significant additional collaboration opportunities identified within the proposal through entering into a new Section 16 Agreement with Surrey Fire & Rescue Service.  This sets the foundations for wider future collaboration opportunities across other services.

Decision type: Key

Reason Key: Affects more than 1 division;

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Notice of proposed decision first published: 14/12/2018

Anticipated restriction: Part exempt  - View reasons

Decision due: February 2019 by Cabinet Member for Safer, Stronger Communities

Lead member: Councillor Debbie Kennard debbie.kennard@westsussex.gov.uk

Contact: Jon Lacey, Area Manager for Risk and Improvements Email: jon.lacey@westsussex.gov.uk Tel: 033 022 25057.

Consultation process

Representations concerning this proposed decision can be made to the Cabinet Member for Safer, Stronger Communities, via the officer contact, by the beginning of the month in which the decision is due to be taken.

Democratic Services Contact: Erica Keegan Tel: 033 022 26050

Background3: A Safe, Strong and Sustainable Place

Decisions

Agenda items

Background papers

  • None