Cllr M Murphy was appointed as the Chairman for 2005/06 and in his new role wished to propose a vote of thanks to Cllr J Smith and CFO S Myers for their work over the previous twelve months.

Cllr D Rowlands (Buckinghamshire) proposed that the role of Vice Chairman for 2005/06 go to Cllr D Dewdney (West Sussex) and this was seconded by Cllr M Cartwright (Hampshire).

CFO D Smith (Buckinghamshire).

Cllr D Dolding (Kent).

The Minutes of the meeting held on 26^th January 2005 were accepted as a true record of the meeting and signed by the Chairman.

MATTERS ARISING:

There were no matters arising.

None.

CFO Myers reported that following the appropriate recruitment process ACO McCarthy’s appointment to the post of Programme Manager was extended for a further twelve months.

CFO M Burrell (West Sussex) introduced the report and advised Members that two to three weeks notice of the location announcement would be received. Following the announcement there will be one hour in which to cascade information to all staff within the Region before details are released by the ODPM. Members expressed concern regarding this and Cllr Dewdney agreed to contact the LGA to request that this notice period be extended. Cllr Rowlands reported that his FRA will debate the issue of RCCs on 18^th April 2005 and the current position is that Members are likely to reject the concept of one RCC for the SE. CFO Prichard reported that the view of both CFOA and the LGA is that they are supportive of the successful implementation of the RCC project that results in the delivery of greater resilience, interoperability, reliability and cost and service effectiveness. CFO Prichard advised Members that CFOA and the LGA also believe that the project timetable should be reviewed further and that whilst the full business case has not yet been received, assurances should be sought that the additional financial and resourcing burdens will be picked up by the ODPM. Potential changes in Government following the election were discussed, together with the impact this may have on the RCC Project.

Agreed, subject to the RMB Chairman also being advised of the anticipated date for the location announcement. It was further agreed that the RMB would contact the ODPM and Lead members for CFOA and LGA to request an extension to the one hour period in which to cascade information to staff and to express general concerns regarding the project timetable.

CFO Burrell introduced this report and the need for financial and legal representation for the SE Regional Project Team was discussed.

CFO Burrell introduced this report and identified convergence issues affecting the FiReControl Project. Members were advised of the amendment to Recommendation 1 and Cllr Rowlands expressed general concern regarding papers presented to the RMB that indicate cost implications for FRAs in respect of the RMB and RCCs. Members discussed their concerns regarding the drive to common standards of appliances, equipment and mobilising procedures, and whilst recognising that this was an aspiration, the differences between existing Authorities needed to be recognised in the early years of any new RCC, as well as the implications for individual IRMPs. CFO Burrell stated that the ODPM are aware of these concerns, although the only assurance being given is that this is being considered further.

Agreed.

Recommendation No. 2

Agreed.

Recommendation No. 3

Agreed.

Recommendation No. 4

Agreed, subject to amendment to include Health and Safety of residents.

Recommendation No. 5

Members agreed to a further recommendation that correspondence to the ODPM and the LGA address issues detailed in RMB/07/05, Recommendation 1 and RMB/09/05, Recommendation 3.

20/05 PROGRAMME MANAGER HIGHLIGHT REPORT (Item 8)

REPORT RMB/10/05

ACO McCarthy introduced the report and updated Members on the progress made to date which was further detailed within the Highlight Report.

Recommendation No. 1

ACO McCarthy introduced the report and gave an overview of the Business Plan for 2005/06, a final copy of which was presented at the meeting. Cllr Rowlands raised the issue of the 2005/06 budget and queried the allocation of funding in respect of project management costs. This was discussed further and clarification provided by CFO Myers.

The Board noted the report and approved the final 2005/06 Business Plan subject to the amendment of Appendix A to reflect the changes to the RMB in respect of the Chairman, Vice Chairman and Clerk.

An updated Gant Chart (Dated: 12.04.05 Version 1.2) was distributed by the Programme Manager.

CFO J Parry (Oxfordshire) introduced the report and advised Members that the project had fallen behind the proposed timeframe. The Board were informed that FIREBUY cannot be set up as a Limited Company because it currently constitutes a central Government agency. CFO Parry confirmed that FIREBUY would now be delayed until at least September 2005 but that some progress should still be made pending confirmation of the final National Fire and Rescue Procurement Strategy.

Recommendation No. 1

Agreed.

23/05 SOUTH EAST PLAN – CONSULTATION RESPONSE (Item 11)

Cllr Smith reported that the consultation response from the SE RMB to the South East Plan was dispatched on 12^th April 2005 and a copy was circulated at the meeting. The RMB is to issue a press statement regarding residential sprinklers and Cllr Rowlands advised Members that in his Fire Authority area, DIY stores do not stock sprinkler systems for home installation. It was suggested that literature advertising sprinkler systems could be displayed in DIY stores to increase public awareness although at present, there was no British standard for such systems. Cllr Mills objected to the use of the word ‘citizen’ in the letter and requested that in future RMB correspondence the word ‘resident’ be used to replace this. Cllr Smith acknowledged Cllr Mills’ comments and the content of the letter was noted.

24/05 LETTER FROM CHAIRMAN OF HAMPSHIRE FIRE & RESCUE AUTHORITY (Item 12)

Members of the Board discussed the letter from Hampshire FRA to Councillor Smith. It was recognised that pre meetings are an opportunity for officers to provide further information in respect of agenda items to Members and that meetings of the RMB are meetings in public and not public meetings. Cllr Murphy proposed that in order to address concerns raised, the pre-meeting should be regarded as a Chairman’s briefing when officers and Portfolio holders can brief the Chairman. It should be possible for other FRA Members to attend future pre-RMB meetings as observers. Following discussion the Board approved this proposal.

The following dates were agreed and it was confirmed that meetings would continue to be held at Surrey Fire & Rescue Service Headquarters.

13^th July 2005

Not applicable.

The meeting closed at 1130 hrs.

…………………………………….

Chairman