Decision details

To agree the Council's response to Surrey Fire and Rescue Service's 'Making Surrey Safer plan for 2010-2023' consultation.

The Executive received a report which sought approval to the Council’s response to Surrey County Council’s public consultation on Surrey’s Fire and Rescue Service.  Councillor Mrs Hunwicks, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, explained that the County Council was consulting on its Community Safety Plan and drew attention to the Council’s proposed response at paragraph 3.2 of the report.  The Executive agreed to add to the end of the fourth bullet point in paragraph 3.2 the words ‘and advise the Borough Council of its response to the representations received’.

Councillor Kemp reported that the proposed strategy had been recommended by experienced fire officers and concerned making the best use of resources in order to be more efficient and effective.  It was noted that there had been a significant decrease in the number of fires attended which was in part due to the prevention and protection work delivered by Fire and Rescue Services.

Members discussed tall buildings and the Executive was advised that the fire brigade was consulted on such buildings and that tall buildings were designed to distinguish fire.  It was noted that following the Grenfell fire, significant changes had been made to the Victoria Square development to improve fire safety.

The Executive encouraged Members and residents to respond to the consultation before the 26 May 2019 deadline.

RESOLVED

That the Council’s response to Surrey County Council’s public consultation on Surrey’s Fire and Rescue Service be in the terms set out in paragraph 3.2 of the report, as amended by the Executive.

Reason:   To determine the Council’s response to Surrey County Council’s public consultation on Surrey’s Fire and Rescue Service.