Hampshire County Council
Councillors:
78
Wards:
76
Committees:
49
Meetings (2026):
57
Meetings (2025):
155
Meeting
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority - Hampshire
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Friday, 29th August 2025
10:30 AM
Friday, 29th August 2025
10:30 AM
End:
Friday, 29th August 2025
2:30 PM
Friday, 29th August 2025
2:30 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
29 Aug 2025
29 Aug 2025
Location:
Room X - Hampshire & IOW Fire & Police HQ, Eastleigh
Room X - Hampshire & IOW Fire & Police HQ, Eastleigh
Meeting Attendees
Committee Member
Councillor George Madgwick
Independent Alliance Group for HIWFRA (Portsmouth City Council)
Apologies
Committee Member
Vice Chairman of the Council
Committee Member
Councillor Sally Goodfellow
Liberal Democrat and Labour for HIWFRA (Southampton City Council)
Present, as expected
Committee Member
Councillor Karen Lucioni
Independent Alliance Group for HIWFRA (Isle of Wight Council)
Apologies
Agenda
1
Apologies for Absence
To receive any apologies for absence.
Minutes
Apologies had been received from Cllr Lucioni and Cllr Madgwick.
2
Declarations of Interest
To enable Members to disclose to the meeting any disclosable pecuniary interest they may have in any matter on the agenda for the meeting, where that interest is not already entered in the Authority’s register of interests, and any other pecuniary or non-pecuniary interests in any such matter that Members may wish to disclose.
Minutes
Members were mindful to disclose to the meeting any disclosable pecuniary interest they may have in any matter on the agenda for the meeting, where that interest was not already entered in the Authority’s register of interests, along with any other pecuniary or non-pecuniary interests in any such matter that Members wished to disclose.
3
Minutes of Previous Meeting
To approve the open minutes from the previous Full Authority meeting.
Attachments:
Minutes
The minutes of the last meeting were reviewed and agreed.
4
Deputations
Pursuant to Standing Order 19, to receive any deputations to this meeting
Minutes
There were no deputations for the meeting.
5
Chairman's Announcements
To receive any announcements the Chairman may wish to make.
Minutes
The Chairman noted that Gary Westbrook, the former Deputy Chief Executive, had recently been appointed as the new Chief Executive for Hampshire County Council.
Additionally, Alexis Boon has been appointed as the new Chief Constable of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.
The Chairman went on to note that several Fire Cadets Pass Out Celebrations had taken place since the last meeting, with Cadets from Rushmoor, Ringwood, Sandown, and Southsea successfully completed the fire cadet programme, attaining their BTEC qualifications, accredited first aid, and gaining a range of life skills to carry forward.
Several cadets also received nationally recognised NFCC awards, for outstanding contributions to their communities and for applying their first aid skills in real-life emergency situations.
The Chairman shared that the report for HIWFRS following the HMICFRS inspection in Spring 2025 had been published. The report highlighted two causes for concern, and the Chief Fire Officer, along with the Executive Team, is preparing an action plan to address these. In addition, the report identifies several areas for improvement, and members will be updated with further details in due course.
The Chairman concluded by thanking all involved in what has been a particularly busy period for the Service between April and mid-August. Hampshire and the Isle of Wight saw 1,707 Fires in the Open, with 3,658 resources deployed. This represented a 69% increase on previous cooler summers and just below the very busy hot summer of 2022.
Additionally, Alexis Boon has been appointed as the new Chief Constable of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.
The Chairman went on to note that several Fire Cadets Pass Out Celebrations had taken place since the last meeting, with Cadets from Rushmoor, Ringwood, Sandown, and Southsea successfully completed the fire cadet programme, attaining their BTEC qualifications, accredited first aid, and gaining a range of life skills to carry forward.
Several cadets also received nationally recognised NFCC awards, for outstanding contributions to their communities and for applying their first aid skills in real-life emergency situations.
The Chairman shared that the report for HIWFRS following the HMICFRS inspection in Spring 2025 had been published. The report highlighted two causes for concern, and the Chief Fire Officer, along with the Executive Team, is preparing an action plan to address these. In addition, the report identifies several areas for improvement, and members will be updated with further details in due course.
The Chairman concluded by thanking all involved in what has been a particularly busy period for the Service between April and mid-August. Hampshire and the Isle of Wight saw 1,707 Fires in the Open, with 3,658 resources deployed. This represented a 69% increase on previous cooler summers and just below the very busy hot summer of 2022.
6
Member Developments
To receive any updates from Members of the Authority.
Minutes
Members provided the following updates:
· Cllr Carpenter had attended a Cadet Passing Out Ceremony on 4 July.
· Cllr Huggins updated the Authority on activity undertaken at Victorious Festival as the Children and Young People Champion for the Authority.
· Cllr Carpenter had attended a Cadet Passing Out Ceremony on 4 July.
· Cllr Huggins updated the Authority on activity undertaken at Victorious Festival as the Children and Young People Champion for the Authority.
7
Appointments Report
To consider a report from the Monitoring Officer, which seeks various appointments to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority (HIWFRA) for 2025-26.
Attachments:
- Document 2025-08-29 - HIWFRA Appointments Report 20 Aug 2025
Minutes
The Fire Authority received a report from the Monitoring Officer which summarised the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority appointments required.
RESOLVED:
That, in line with HIWFRA Standing Orders, Section 4.1, paragraph 2.2, the Fire Authority make the following appointments until the annual general meeting in 2026:
Role
Political Group
Appointment
Audit & Governance Deputy Member
Conservative Group
Cllr Carpenter
Audit & Governance Deputy Member
Liberal Dem & Labour
Cllr Price
Audit & Governance Deputy Member
Independent Alliance
Cllr Lucioni
3SFire CIC Stakeholder Committee
Conservative Group
Cllr Drew
3SFire CIC Stakeholder Committee
Liberal Dem & Labour
Cllr Harrison
3SFire CIC Stakeholder Committee
Independent Alliance
Cllr Parker-Jones
That the Fire Authority appoints the members listed below to an informal working group, the Principal Officer Pay Review (POPR), until the AGM in 2026:
· Cllr Price (Chairman)
· Cllr Huggins
· Cllr Goodfellow
RESOLVED:
That, in line with HIWFRA Standing Orders, Section 4.1, paragraph 2.2, the Fire Authority make the following appointments until the annual general meeting in 2026:
Role
Political Group
Appointment
Audit & Governance Deputy Member
Conservative Group
Cllr Carpenter
Audit & Governance Deputy Member
Liberal Dem & Labour
Cllr Price
Audit & Governance Deputy Member
Independent Alliance
Cllr Lucioni
3SFire CIC Stakeholder Committee
Conservative Group
Cllr Drew
3SFire CIC Stakeholder Committee
Liberal Dem & Labour
Cllr Harrison
3SFire CIC Stakeholder Committee
Independent Alliance
Cllr Parker-Jones
That the Fire Authority appoints the members listed below to an informal working group, the Principal Officer Pay Review (POPR), until the AGM in 2026:
· Cllr Price (Chairman)
· Cllr Huggins
· Cllr Goodfellow
8
Modern Slavery Statement
To receive a report of the Chief Fire Officer seeking approval of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority’s Modern Slavery statement for subsequent publishing on the Authority’s website and the Government’s Registry.
Attachments:
- Document 2025-08-29 - Modern Slavery Statement 20 Aug 2025
- Document 2025-08-29 - Modern Slavery Statement - Appendix A 20 Aug 2025
Minutes
The Fire Authority received a report from the Chief Fire Officer seeking approval of the Authority’s Modern Slavery statement for subsequent publishing on the Authority’s website and the Government’s Registry.
Members noted that it is a requirement of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 for organisations to publish a Slavery and Human Trafficking statement on an annual basis. The statement has been reviewed and updated to ensure that it reflects current practices and procedures. Members heard detail of the mechanism for raising concerns alongside the robust safeguarding process which featured multi-agency support.
RESOLVED:
That the Modern Slavery Statement at Appendix A be approved by the HIWFRA Full Authority and is published on the Service’s website.
Members noted that it is a requirement of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 for organisations to publish a Slavery and Human Trafficking statement on an annual basis. The statement has been reviewed and updated to ensure that it reflects current practices and procedures. Members heard detail of the mechanism for raising concerns alongside the robust safeguarding process which featured multi-agency support.
RESOLVED:
That the Modern Slavery Statement at Appendix A be approved by the HIWFRA Full Authority and is published on the Service’s website.
9
Annual Statement of Equality
To receive a report of the Chief Fire Officer providing an update on progress against equality objectives as set out in the 2022-2026 Inclusive Service Strategy.
Attachments:
- Document 2025-08-29 - Annual Statement of Equality 2024-2025 20 Aug 2025
- Document 2025-08-29 - Annual Statement of Equality 2024-2025 - Appendix A 20 Aug 2025
Minutes
The Fire Authority received a report from the Chief Fire Officer providing an update on progress against the equality objectives as set out in the 2022-2026 Inclusive Service Strategy.
Officers set how the strategy reinforced commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and the objectives aim to ensure that the Service is Inclusive, Representative, Respectful and Accessible in all aspects of its operations and services.
Members noted that the Annual Equality Statement highlighted positive strides made towards achieving objectives and creating an inclusive Service, as well as identifying where further progress is needed. The statement included areas of focus for the coming 12 months.
RESOLVED:
That the Annual Statement of Equality at Appendix A to the Report be approved by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority and published on it’s website.
Officers set how the strategy reinforced commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and the objectives aim to ensure that the Service is Inclusive, Representative, Respectful and Accessible in all aspects of its operations and services.
Members noted that the Annual Equality Statement highlighted positive strides made towards achieving objectives and creating an inclusive Service, as well as identifying where further progress is needed. The statement included areas of focus for the coming 12 months.
RESOLVED:
That the Annual Statement of Equality at Appendix A to the Report be approved by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority and published on it’s website.
10
Pension Discretion Policies
To receive a report of the Chief Financial Officer on the LGPS and FF Pension Scheme Discretion Documents.
Attachments:
- Document 2025-08-29 - Pension Scheme Discretions Policy - Cover Report 20 Aug 2025
- Document 2025-08-29 - Pension Scheme Discretions Policy - Appendix 1 20 Aug 2025
- Document 2025-08-29 - Pension Scheme Discretions Policy - Appendix 2 20 Aug 2025
- Document 2025-08-29 - Pension Scheme Discretions Policy - Appendix 3 20 Aug 2025
- Document 2025-08-29 - Pension Scheme Discretions Policy - Appendix 4 20 Aug 2025
Minutes
The Fire Authority received a report from the Chief Financial Officer which set out that as an employer with members in the Firefighters’ Pension Schemes and Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), the Authority is required to have in place discretions policies which set out how the Authority will make decisions where regulations stipulate an employer is able to make discretionary decisions.
Officers set out that the existing policies have been reviewed. No major changes are proposed and it was recommended that the updated versions included within the appendices to the report were approved.
RESOLVED:
That the Firefighters Pension Scheme Discretionary Policies (1992, 2006, 2015) and the LGPS Discretions Policy be approved by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority.
Officers set out that the existing policies have been reviewed. No major changes are proposed and it was recommended that the updated versions included within the appendices to the report were approved.
RESOLVED:
That the Firefighters Pension Scheme Discretionary Policies (1992, 2006, 2015) and the LGPS Discretions Policy be approved by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority.
11
Operational Change Consultation
To receive a report from the Chief Fire Officer describing the analysis methods and outcomes of public and staff consultations into the operational changes required to meet financial challenges.
Attachments:
- Document 2025-08-29 - Operational Change Consultation Report 20 Aug 2025
- Document 2025-08-29 - Operational Change Consultation Report - Appendix A - Operational Changes - Rationale & Supporting Evidence 20 Aug 2025
- Document 2025-08-29 - Operational Change Consultation Report - Appendix B - Operational Change IoW Consultation 20 Aug 2025
Minutes
The Fire Authority received a report from the Chief Fire Officer providing an update on the Operational Change Consultation.
Officers explained that Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service continues to face a budget gap, caused by costs increasing faster than funding. Ensuring financial sustainability is essential for long-term success and the proposed changes contribute to the Service-wide savings plan.
The report describes the analysis methods and outcomes of public and staff consultations to inform the decisions about operational changes required to meet the financial challenges – with estimated permanent recurring savings of around £2 million. The report detailed where action had already been taken by Officers under delegated authority, and reports them in accordance with the Authority’s Scheme of Delegation.
In response to questions, members found that:
· The options being proposed had been arrived at after very carefully consideration, not just of the financial implications but of the need to provide robust frontline services which maintained the safety standards for staff.
· The Authority does have financial reserves but these are set aside for a number of different purposes such as preparation for financial shocks or investment in assets. The reserves were reviewed regularly and there was no surplus to be utilised.
· The use of commercial equipment being used when needed was considered but ruled out for practical reasons. There are existing agreements with neighbouring services however which allow for equipment to be called upon should the need arise.
· No redundancies were going to be made as a result of these changes.
Following questions an additional recommendation was proposed by Cllr Huggins requesting that paragraph 5 (b, c, and d) in the report be revisited by the Chief Fire Officer in light of recent developments and that an opportunity for further questions to be asked by the Authority ahead of implementation. This was seconded by Cllr Parker-Jones.
Additionally, a recommendation was proposed by Cllr Price which noted the reluctance with which these decisions had been taken and called upon the Chief Fire Officer and the Chairman to write to Government to request extra funding. This was seconded by Cllr Huggins.
These were both voted on and each was agreed unanimously to form part of the final resolution.
Resolved:
That the authority notes and supports the following recommendations for operational changes which are being proposed to the Chief Fire Officer for his decision, following extensive analysis, public consultation and various internal engagement and consultation:
a) Cease operations out of Bembridge Fire Station, saving the Service £135,000 (excluding non-staff cost savings) over 2025/26 and 2026/27.
b) Combine Yarmouth and Freshwater Fire Stations at the Freshwater site, saving the Service £99,000 (excluding non-staff cost savings) over 2025/26 and 2026/27.
c) Remove an aerial ladder platform from the Isle of Wight, saving the Service £1 million in vehicle replacement costs (capital expenditure).
The Authority notes the decisions the Chief Fire officer has made in respect of the following operational matters, following extensive analysis and various internal engagement and consultations. However, the Authority asks that the Chief Fire Officer and senior team revisits b, c, and d below, with consideration to the changes that have come to light such as the HMI inspection report and offers further assurance to the Fire Authority, providing an opportunity to answer the questions posed by the Authority before further implementation.
a) Pilot the removal of four on-call second appliances, with the estimated savings from implementing these pilots is £216,000 (over 2025/26 and 2026/27) which include vehicle costs.
b) Implement a new heavy rescue vehicle, which allows the Service to reduce 16 Wholetime firefighter posts generating a saving of £927,000 over 2025/26 and 2026/27.
c) Implement the new Group structure for fire stations and the middle manager restructure to support this. The savings associated with these changes are £652,000 over 2025/26 and 2026/27.
d) Implement a restructured operational officers rota system, Flexible Duty System (FDS), which enables a reduction in the FDS rota of 8 officers. This generates a saving of £126,000 over 2025/26 and 2026/27.
e) Implement (happened from 1st August), following an earlier public consultation, a new approach to responding to automatic fire alarm notifications where HIWFRS will no longer automatically send crews when there is an automatic fire alarm notification in buildings with no sleeping risk, between the hours of 08:00 and 18:00, unless there are confirmed signs of fire. Saving approximately £44,000 per annum and will also have significant non-cashable efficiency savings, for example freeing up over 500 hours a year of firefighter’s time to undertake other activity.
The Authority delegates authority to the Chief Financial Officer to make any necessary virements and/or other changes to reporting needed to reflect the allocation of savings within the budget for 2025/26 related to the changes set out within this report.
The above recommendations are reluctantly taken due to funding, and we further ask the Chief Fire Officer and the Chairman to write to The Government in support of the NFCC press release of 21 August 2025 and to ask for further urgent funding for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire Service.
Officers explained that Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service continues to face a budget gap, caused by costs increasing faster than funding. Ensuring financial sustainability is essential for long-term success and the proposed changes contribute to the Service-wide savings plan.
The report describes the analysis methods and outcomes of public and staff consultations to inform the decisions about operational changes required to meet the financial challenges – with estimated permanent recurring savings of around £2 million. The report detailed where action had already been taken by Officers under delegated authority, and reports them in accordance with the Authority’s Scheme of Delegation.
In response to questions, members found that:
· The options being proposed had been arrived at after very carefully consideration, not just of the financial implications but of the need to provide robust frontline services which maintained the safety standards for staff.
· The Authority does have financial reserves but these are set aside for a number of different purposes such as preparation for financial shocks or investment in assets. The reserves were reviewed regularly and there was no surplus to be utilised.
· The use of commercial equipment being used when needed was considered but ruled out for practical reasons. There are existing agreements with neighbouring services however which allow for equipment to be called upon should the need arise.
· No redundancies were going to be made as a result of these changes.
Following questions an additional recommendation was proposed by Cllr Huggins requesting that paragraph 5 (b, c, and d) in the report be revisited by the Chief Fire Officer in light of recent developments and that an opportunity for further questions to be asked by the Authority ahead of implementation. This was seconded by Cllr Parker-Jones.
Additionally, a recommendation was proposed by Cllr Price which noted the reluctance with which these decisions had been taken and called upon the Chief Fire Officer and the Chairman to write to Government to request extra funding. This was seconded by Cllr Huggins.
These were both voted on and each was agreed unanimously to form part of the final resolution.
Resolved:
That the authority notes and supports the following recommendations for operational changes which are being proposed to the Chief Fire Officer for his decision, following extensive analysis, public consultation and various internal engagement and consultation:
a) Cease operations out of Bembridge Fire Station, saving the Service £135,000 (excluding non-staff cost savings) over 2025/26 and 2026/27.
b) Combine Yarmouth and Freshwater Fire Stations at the Freshwater site, saving the Service £99,000 (excluding non-staff cost savings) over 2025/26 and 2026/27.
c) Remove an aerial ladder platform from the Isle of Wight, saving the Service £1 million in vehicle replacement costs (capital expenditure).
The Authority notes the decisions the Chief Fire officer has made in respect of the following operational matters, following extensive analysis and various internal engagement and consultations. However, the Authority asks that the Chief Fire Officer and senior team revisits b, c, and d below, with consideration to the changes that have come to light such as the HMI inspection report and offers further assurance to the Fire Authority, providing an opportunity to answer the questions posed by the Authority before further implementation.
a) Pilot the removal of four on-call second appliances, with the estimated savings from implementing these pilots is £216,000 (over 2025/26 and 2026/27) which include vehicle costs.
b) Implement a new heavy rescue vehicle, which allows the Service to reduce 16 Wholetime firefighter posts generating a saving of £927,000 over 2025/26 and 2026/27.
c) Implement the new Group structure for fire stations and the middle manager restructure to support this. The savings associated with these changes are £652,000 over 2025/26 and 2026/27.
d) Implement a restructured operational officers rota system, Flexible Duty System (FDS), which enables a reduction in the FDS rota of 8 officers. This generates a saving of £126,000 over 2025/26 and 2026/27.
e) Implement (happened from 1st August), following an earlier public consultation, a new approach to responding to automatic fire alarm notifications where HIWFRS will no longer automatically send crews when there is an automatic fire alarm notification in buildings with no sleeping risk, between the hours of 08:00 and 18:00, unless there are confirmed signs of fire. Saving approximately £44,000 per annum and will also have significant non-cashable efficiency savings, for example freeing up over 500 hours a year of firefighter’s time to undertake other activity.
The Authority delegates authority to the Chief Financial Officer to make any necessary virements and/or other changes to reporting needed to reflect the allocation of savings within the budget for 2025/26 related to the changes set out within this report.
The above recommendations are reluctantly taken due to funding, and we further ask the Chief Fire Officer and the Chairman to write to The Government in support of the NFCC press release of 21 August 2025 and to ask for further urgent funding for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire Service.
12
Property Matters
To receive a report from the Chief Fire Officer summarises property related matters where action has been taken by Officers under delegated authority, reported in accordance with the Authority’s Scheme of Delegation.
Attachments:
- Document 2025-08-29 - Property Matters Report 20 Aug 2025
Minutes
The Fire Authority received a report from the Chief Fire Officer summarising property related matters where action had already been taken by Officers under delegated authority. These actions were reported in accordance with the Authority’s Scheme of Delegation.
RESOLVED:
That the property related matters set out in the report be noted by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority.
RESOLVED:
That the property related matters set out in the report be noted by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority.
13
EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC
To resolve that the public be excluded from the meeting during the following items of business, as it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the public were present during these items there would be disclosure to them of exempt information within Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, and further that in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information, for the reasons set out in the reports.
Minutes
It was agreed that the public be excluded from the meeting during the following items of business, as it was likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the public were present during these items there would be disclosure to them of exempt information within Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, and further that in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information, for the reasons set out in the reports.
14
Asset Management Review: Fire Contaminant Risk
To receive an exempt report from the Chief Fire Officer providing an overview of the Asset Management Review in relation to Fire Contaminant Risk.
Attachments:
- Document 2025-08-29 - Asset Management Review Fire Contaminant Risk - Report 20 Aug 2025
- Document 2025-08-29 - Asset Management Review Fire Contaminant Risk - App A 20 Aug 2025
- Document 2025-08-29 - Asset Management Review Fire Contaminant Risk - App B 20 Aug 2025
- Document 2025-08-29 - Asset Management Review Fire Contaminant Risk - App C 20 Aug 2025
- Document 2025-08-29 - Asset Management Review Fire Contaminant Risk - App D 20 Aug 2025
- Document 2025-08-29 - Asset Management Review Fire Contaminant Risk - App E 20 Aug 2025
- Document 2025-08-29 - Asset Management Review Fire Contaminant Risk - Background Paper 1 - 2018-09-26 Station Investment Programme 20 Aug 2025
- Document 2025-08-29 - Asset Management Review Fire Contaminant Risk - Background Paper 2 - 2023-10-10 - Managing Fire Contaminants Report 20 Aug 2025
15
Withdrawal from use of Fort Widley
To receive an exempt report of the Chief Fire Officer setting out the background of the Service’s use of facilities at Fort Widley, Portsmouth for Urban Search & Rescue training. The report outlines the associated cost of withdrawing as a consequence of this historic use of the site.
Attachments:
- Document 2025-08-29 - Withdrawal of use from Fort Widley 20 Aug 2025
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