Agenda and minutes

The Meeting was called to order to receive His Worship, The Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

A minute’s silence was observed in memory of the late former Councillor, Peter Swift. The Mayor commended the former Councillor’s notable 24-years of service as a Councillor of the Borough, including his term in the Office of Mayor for the municipal year 1999/2000.

The Mayor confirmed that an earlier resolution by Members at a meeting of his Council held on 01 September 2015 to confer the Title of Honorary Alderman upon the former Councillor was to be honoured.

An apology for absence was received from Councillors J W Boyce, B Dave, Mrs L Eaton, Mrs H E Loydall, K J Loydall and R H Thakor.

None.

The Council gave consideration to and debated the Motion on Notice (at page 1) as delivered by the Chief Executive in respect of the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Combined Fire Authority’s (CFA) announcement to consult upon reductions to frontline services. This should be read together with these minutes as a composite document.

The Motion was moved by Councillor G A Boulter who noted the subject-matter was an item before debate at an extraordinary meeting of Leicestershire County Council called on 08 October 2015.

The Member disapproved of the non-inclusiveness of the online consultation process insofar as not all potential Borough consultees have access to the internet. It was noted that at a well-attended public engagement event held at Wigston Fire Station on Friday 16 October 2015, the majority of residents had expressed opposition to the proposed cutbacks. A concern was further raised in respect the CFA’s decision-making process in view of the recent abolition of its Scrutiny Committee in May 2015, subsequently limiting the scope to properly scrutinise the outlined proposals (at 1(b) of the Motion) and ascertain their potential consequences. A possible conflict of interest was also cited insofar as Chair and Vice-Chair of the CFA were the Leaders of Leicester/shire County and City Councils, respectively. It was stated that the outlined proposals, including the replacement of three fire engines with less-equipped Tactical Response Vehicles (TRV’s), would adversely affect the ability of firefighters to adequately respond to emergencies throughout Leicester/shire and Rutland within the 10 minute response target for life-risk incidents. This was said to contribute to greater number of potential fatal/non-fatal casualties and engender implications as to the extent of fire damage and insurance queries.

The Motion was seconded by Councillor M H Charlesworth who reserved his right to speak upon the Motion.

Councillor Mrs L M Broadley stated that she was disappointed with the public engagement event held at Wigston Fire Station. She advocated that the selling of the Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) Headquarters ought to be given consideration as an alternative means to achieve the savings. It was further noted that a significant financial loss would borne by the tax-payer in respect of recent investment made in the Central Fire Station subsequent to any intended closure/sale. A concern was raised as to the limited publication of the CFA’s Public Consultation Summary Report for want of a more informed decision-making process. It was stated that the proposals would profoundly jeopardise the safety of Leicester/shire and Rutland residents, most notably in the Kibworth/Harborough areas, and that a comprehensive risk assessment was required before opposition was abandoned.

Councillor J Kaufman stated that it was the professional opinion of many spoken to frontline firefighters that the increasingly progressive nature of the cutbacks to the LFRS was dangerous. It was said that the proposals would reduce County-wide capacity to critically-low levels and further stretch the already-limited resources available at Wigston Fire Station in so providing the necessary relief-support to neighbouring areas affected by closures. The Member also reiterated the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 40.