Agenda item
London Fire Brigade Brent - overview and partnership working
The committee will receive a presentation from Sean Bennett, the Borough Commander of London Fire Brigade Brent. The presentation will provide an overview of the service in Brent and provide examples of the way the fire service works in partnership on issues such as the links between domestic violence and fire and homelessness and fire.
Minutes:
Sean Bennet (Borough Commander Brent – London Fire Brigade) delivered a presentation to the Committee outlining the key objectives and areas of work of the Fire Brigade in Brent, including aspects of its collaborative/partnership working. The objectives of the service reflected a shift in emphasis from a reactive to a proactive service, with a focus on prevention and education. In line with this, a number of services could be accessed free of charge, including advice via the telephone and internet, and the provision and fitting of fire alarms on request. Further preventative actions, including home visits, were targeted at those deemed most vulnerable including elderly people, those with disabilities, drug and alcohol abusers and those with English as a second language. Information sharing with partner organisations had enabled the fire brigade to develop a holistic approach to the identification of vulnerable groups and areas. For example, a broad correlation existed between areas of deprivation, levels of crime and incidences of fire and data from the Police was therefore used to ascertain those areas at greater risk from fire. The service also collaborated with partner agencies to achieve more comprehensive interventions. In tackling the use of a derelict building by a number of homeless individuals for example, the fire brigade had worked with several organisations including the police and health service to ensure that the different needs of the individuals were met and a longer-term result achieved.
During members’ discussion, the Chair requested that the Borough Commander – Brent, outline any upcoming issues for the Fire Brigade in Brent. The meeting was advised that ongoing issues included; continuing to educate the public in relation to fire safety, improving information sharing between partner organisations and the identification of at risk individuals. Councillor Hirani queried how the Fire Brigade would be affected by budgetary cuts and was informed that line services would not be affected and efficiency savings would be made in relation to back office staff and at management levels, with for example, it being likely that the Borough Commander posts become merged to cover several boroughs. It was further explained that a service wide review was conducted every five years and where working practices could be improved appropriate action would be taken. Members were advised that currently uniformed officers carried out a range of general day-to-day functions which could be completed by other members of staff to free up officer time where required. It was confirmed that in the event of Trade Union strikes or other disruptions, alternative means of cover were required to be provided and appropriate procedures were in place. Previously a private agency had been engaged to provide cover and in such circumstances short term preventative work would be reduced.
Councillor S Choudhary sought clarification as to what constituted a front line function. Sean Bennet noted that the distinction was not definite as the preventative work of the fire brigade was essential to reducing the number of fires. However, the committee heard that a charge was now made for any non-essential work carried out including, for example, where assistance was provided to individuals trapped in malfunctioning lifts. In such circumstances the landlord was held responsible for the charge.
The Chair sought information regarding outreach for those with English as a second language. The meeting was advised that publications with generic advice were provided in a variety of languages, alongside wholly visual guides. Follow up services could also be provided if it was thought necessary and it was noted that the Fire Brigade had developed good links with Brent Multi-Faith Forum.
The Chair noted that in the difficult economic climate, homelessness was likely to rise and queried how this would be addressed by the Fire Service. The committee was informed that a risk assessment would be conducted for those premises thought likely to be used by homeless people and action would be taken as necessary. A supportive but hard-line approach would be followed, in line with neighbouring boroughs, to encourage people to engage with the relevant services. In response to a query, Sean Bennet confirmed that whilst it was difficult to quantify the impact of some preventative actions, significant reductions had consistently been achieved against service targets both with respect to domestic and intentional fires.
RESOLVED:
That the presentation by the Borough Commander Brent – London Fire Brigade be noted.