Issue - meetings

This report asks Cabinet to support the overall direction of the WCC Property Strategy and the proposed focus for Warwickshire Fire & Rescue Service (WFRS) and approve the Strategic Statement of Intent which will inform the future requirements for the WFRS Estate.

Cabinet Portfolio Holders – Councillor Peter Butlin and Councillor Andy Crump

Councillor Andy Crump explained the key elements of the report and added that it complied with the principles of the Integrated Risk Management Plan to be consider at a later meeting of Cabinet.

The proposals he said, were evidence of a desire to work more closely with colleagues in the other blue light services. Public safety was the principal driver for any proposals being made.

Councillor Peter Butlin explained that the County Council is reviewing all of its property requirements. This report is about developing a Fire and Rescue Service that is fit for the future. It is important to ensure that fire stations are in the right place to meet current and future needs. In addition, there is a proposal to relocate Fire and Rescue headquarters to Shire Hall.

Councillor Jerry Roodhouse requested that as plans move forward, elected members are kept involved in discussions.

Referencing the fire station in Nuneaton, Councillor Keith Kondakor suggested that better use could be made of what is a large urban site.

In closing, Councillor Crump agree that members should be involved in any discussions and cited the example given by Councillor Kondakor who has useful local knowledge to share.

Resolved:

That Cabinet:

1)       Supports the proposed future direction for the development of the property estate for Warwickshire Fire & Rescue Service (WFRS) in alignment with the  Warwickshire County Council Property Strategy as set out in this report 

2)       Agrees the strategic principles set out in Section 3.0 of this report and supports these principles informing the IRMP that is presented to Cabinet in March 2021