Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Mrs. N Clarke and A Austin.

It was noted that Will Mason, Head of Culture, was in attendance on behalf of Nicole Hilton, Assistant Director – Communities.

No interests were declared at this point in proceedings.

RESOLVED:

          That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 31 October 2023 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

The Chairman welcomed Martin Samuels, the new Executive Director of Adult Care and Community Wellbeing, and Martyn Parker, who was now the substantive Assistant Director for Public Protection.

Additionally, on 2 November 2023, the Chairman announced that he and Vice-Chairman attended the Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Long Service and Good Conduct Ceremony at the Showroom in Lincoln.

No Executive Councillor or Chief Officer announcements were received.

(To receive a report from Emma Golds, Senior Commercial and Procurement Officer, and James Chapple, Head of Registration, Celebratory and Coroners Service, which invites the Committee to consider and comment on the re-procurement of LCC Coronial Toxicology Services, prior to a decision being taken by the Executive Councillor for NHS Liaison, Integrated Care System, Registration and Coroners.  David Stocking, Coroners Services Manager and Stuart Partridge, Coroner’s Officer Supervisor will also be in attendance for this item)

Consideration was given to a report from David Stocking, Coroner’s Services Manager, and Emma Golds, Senior Commercial and Procurement Officer, on the re-procurement of LCC Coronial Toxicology Services prior to a decision taken by the Executive Councillor for NHS Liaison, Integrated Care System, Registration, and Coroners between 15 and 22 December 2023. Stuart Partridge, Coroner’s Office Supervisor was also in attendance for this item.

The Coroner’s Services Manager noted that the Council was legally obliged to certify and register deaths, and provide toxicology analysis under The Coroners and Justice Act 2009 which enabled the Coroner to fulfil their statutory role to provide coroners services in Lincolnshire.

The Senior Commercial and Procurement Officer informed the Committee that the Council currently held one toxicology contract operating with University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, which was currently valued at £140,000 per annum. The new contract was expected to run for a period of three years commencing on 1 August 2024 and ending on 31 July 2027. There would also be an option for the Council to extend by an additional period of two years.

Officers wished to reprocure the Toxicology contract by way of an Open tender to award a single supplier.

During its discussion, the following matters were highlighted:

·         The Committee recommended that, if not already done so, specific defined timescales for each type of test should be built into the contract.

Toxicology Tests

·         Concerns were raised about the timescales for toxicology test results and the impact on families waiting for these results. It was highlighted that it was clear from pre-market engagement that the timescales in the current contract were not realistic, which would explain why they had not been met and had created a backlog. As a result, realistic timescales for all types of cases had now been identified and these would be reflected in the new tender documentation. Although the timescales would be extended, this would make the caseload more manageable and lead to a quicker turnaround. It was confirmed that there would be different timescales for different types of tests.

·         In relation to the types of toxicology tests that could be undertaken, the pathologist would decide what toxicology samples they would need in order to determine the cause of death and the coroner would consent to that. This made it difficult to quantify the minimum amount of tests that could be requested, which was why there would be a flat fee for each case in the new contract.

Re-procurement of Contract 

·         With regard to the proposed length of the contract of three years with an option to extend for two years, it was confirmed that a longer-term contract could have been achieved for this contract as well. However, the market had changed quite a bit since the last tender process, and this was the first time using the open tender procedure. The aim was to have a stable contract that was fit for purpose but with flexibility should the market change again, or the Council’s requirements alter slightly.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 48.

(To receive a report from Thea Croxall, Adult Learning & Skills Manager – Economic Development and Rebecca Clark, Senior Project Officer (Multiply), which provides the Committee with an update on the Multiply numeracy programme)

Consideration was given to a report from Thea Croxall, Adult Learning & Skills Manager and Rebecca Clark, Senior Project Officer (Multiply) which updated the Committee on the Multiply numeracy programme.

The Committee was informed that Multiply was a three-year programme funded by the Department for Education (DfE) and delivered interventions to upskill the mathematic skills of residents. Members were directed to Appendix A of the report, which detailed the organisations that the Council effectively worked with across Lincolnshire to deliver provision. Additionally, the offer was now extending into employment settings via the Multiply Champions.

It was acknowledged that the impact of funding could be further maximised, with organisations highlighting that availability of residents was the main challenge to accessibility although it was suggested that the work of the Multiply Champions would help expand provision.

During consideration of the report, the following matters were highlighted:

·         It was questioned whether Multiply was only delivered during work hours as this could prevent many adults from accessing the programme. The Adult Learning & Skills Manager assured a wide range of delivery options were available; community-based provision was delivered during weekdays, evenings, and weekends. Additionally, free online independent provision was also available and could be accessed at any time.

·         It was acknowledged that smaller employers may face more constraints in delivering the Multiply programme in-house as it would be more difficult for them to release staff; consequently, Members welcomed additional provision outside of work hours to increase engagement.

·         It was accepted that some service users had experienced inconsistencies and confusion in the types of learning delivered; consequently the Adult Learning & Skills Manager agreed to investigate this issue.

·         The Adult Learning & Skills Manager agreed to examine why participation in West Lindsey was lower than other districts, although it was suspected that demand was lower.

·         Members were informed that Multiply was advertised through an array of promotional methods such as social media posts, posters and a resident survey that could be accessed via the County Council website.

·         The report highlighted a range of employers that had benefitted from delivered Multiply and Members and Officers agreed these cases could be utilised to promote the service further.

·         The Head of Culture agreed to work with the Adult Learning & Skills Manager to look at expanding programme delivery via Community Hubs.

·         English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes were delivered as part of the adult education programme, and those students were invited to attend Multiply classes.

·         It was agreed that there were challenges around digital accessibility although the Adult Learning & Skills Manager informed that residents could access online learning materials in libraries, and those enrolled at local colleges could borrow computers and laptops.

RESOLVED

1.      That the Committee acknowledges the work taking place to deliver the Year 2 Multiply Programme.

2.      That the comments and suggestions made by the Committee are taken into consideration by relevant officers and portfolio holders.

(To receive a report from Mark Baxter, Chief Fire Officer, which provides a summary of the outcomes from the recent inspection of Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue by His Majesty’s Inspectorate for Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services)

Consideration was given to a report from Mark Baxter, Chief Fire Officer, which provided a summary of the outcomes from the recent inspection of Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue (LFR) by His Majesty’s Inspectorate for Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS).

Between May and June 2023, the HMICFRS inspected LFR and had reached a mostly positive conclusion; despite some areas requiring improvement, the inspectorate recognised a ‘good level’ of response to emergency events and multi-agency large-scale incidents.

Additionally, two areas of positive practice were identified by His Majesty’s Inspectorate (HMI); co-responding and assured level of risk model – both of which were embedded within the organisation and were proved to have provided a tangible evaluation of positive impact.

It was noted that HMI identified limitations of current IT systems used by the service which were inefficient. Additionally, following the inspection, LFR was updating its human resources (HR) policy to empower staff to raise and manage concerns. Additionally, the inspection team had signed off on two of the five recommendations from the 2021 cause of concern relating to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

LFR was also subject to a national thematic inspection by HMI which assessed misconduct and how it was managed; the outcome would form part of an anonymised report which would be published in June/July 2024.

Members were subsequently guided through the report, and the Chief Fire Officer assured that LFR would embed the 14 identified areas which required improvement into the overall improvement plan, and Members were informed that an updated report would be considered by the Committee on this delivery in 2024.

During consideration of the report, the following matters were highlighted:

·       The Executive Councillor for Fire & Rescue and Cultural Services thanked the Chief Fire Officer and LFR on the inspection; she assured that resources had been allocated to areas that required improvement and expressed confidence that the service would make the required improvements.

·       Multiple Members expressed concern regarding HMI’s findings that staff did not ‘have confidence in the service’s approach to dealing with bullying, harassment and discrimination’. The Chief Fire Officer echoed Members’ sentiments and asserted these findings were unacceptable and assured that these views were not widespread. The briefings from the national thematic inspection on misconduct noted occasions where staff used inappropriate language which was not initially or sufficiently addressed, however staff now better understood expected behaviours.

·       Concern was also raised regarding the description of the senior leadership team as ‘a boys’ club’; the Chief Fire Officer assured that addressing this comment was a focus of LFR and had resultantly sought to improve engagement and transparency to instill confidence. LFR was also working to recruit more female fire fighters through positive action campaigning which sought to address stereotypes that the service was overly male-orientated. The results of staff exit surveys had indicated no trend of women leaving LFR due to bullying or harassment.

·       It was noted that shift patterns could be more accessible and family friendly to recruit more women.

·       The staff survey was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 50.

(To receive a report from Ryan Stacey, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, which provides the Committee with an overview of the public consultation on the Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue – Draft Community Risk Management Plan 2024-2028)

Consideration was given to a report from Ryan Stacey, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, which provided the Committee with an overview of the public consultation on the Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue (LFR) – Draft Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) for 2024-2028.

The Assistant Chief Fire Officer informed the Committee that the CRMP was a requirement of all Fire Services to identify and assess any potential risks within Lincolnshire. The current Integrated Risk Management Plan would conclude in April 2024.

The Assistant Chief Fire Officer provided an overview the public consultation process and it was highlighted that LFR had increased public engagement; approximately 800 responses were received which had increased significantly since 2019 which saw only 172 responses.

During consideration of the report, the following matters were noted:

·         Members questioned the differences between the risks identified in the Draft CRMP for 2024-28 and the Integrated Risk Management Plan 2020-24 and were informed that the community risks derived from strategic national risk registers. Risks were wide ranging and it was noted risks differentiated depending on location; Members were informed that in Lincolnshire traffic accidents were a higher priority than in other localities.

·         The contents of the Draft CRMP acknowledged the outcomes of the HMI Inspection on the Fire Service.

·         Officers and Members agreed it would be germane to work alongside Parish and District Councils to increase awareness of local emergency plans; additionally, the Assistant Chief Fire Officer informed the Committee that LFR worked closely as a Category 1 responder with the Local Resilience Forum which facilitated partnership working with District colleagues. The Assistant Director for Public Protection subsequently added that the Council’s Business Continuity Officers also performed their role within District Councils across Lincolnshire.

·         Members were informed that LFR operated with strategic assumptions on when staff members were likely to retire, take sickness absence, or resign and made succession plans where possible.

·         It was accepted that advertising careers in LFR required strategic targeting and emphasised flexibility, particularly to recruit women and younger staff.

·         Members considered whether LFR maintained sufficient capacity to manage the risk of flooding in a timely matter; the Assistant Chief Fire Officer noted that the priority of the Fire Service was to save lives, and therefore prioritised responding to the most vulnerable in flooding events. Members agreed that public expectations of the Fire Service were often wrong and too high.

RESOLVED

1.      That the Committee has reviewed and supports the information contained within the Community Risk Management Plan 2024-28 public consultation.

2.      That the steps taken during stage one and two of the public consultations be noted.

(To receive a report from Martyn Parker Assistant Director - Public Protection Adult Care and Community Wellbeing, Mark Baxter, Chief Fire Officer, Nicole Hilton, Assistant Director – Communities, Steven Batchelor, Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership Senior Manager and Lee Sirdifield, Assistant Director – Corporate, which summaries the Service Level Performance against the Success Framework 2023-2024 for Quarter 2)

Consideration was given to a report from Martyn Parker, Assistant Director for Public Protection, Mark Baxter, Chief Fire Officer, Will Mason, Head of Culture, Steven Batchelor, Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership (LRSP) Senior Manager and Lee Sirdifield, Assistant Director – Corporate, which summarsised the Service Level Performance against the Success Framework 2023-2024 for Quarter 2.

Kimberly Vickers, Lincoln Castle General Manager, was also in attendance for this item.

During consideration of this item, some of the following comments were raised:

Community Safety

·    The Assistant Director for Public Protection, agreed to circulate the number of death registrations in Lincolnshire, and informed that a reduction in these figures was observed.

Trading Standards

·         Members noted that 17 orders were issued to seize tobacco products, including three premises that were ordered to close for the third time. The Assistant Director for Public Protection highlighted that it was the responsibility of the Landlord to ensure their business tenants were legally compliant; he further agreed to assess the legal tactics available to the Council to punish Landlords who repeatedly offend and to inform the Committee of available powers once realised.

·         The Committee was informed that Landlords of businesses found to be violating Trading Standards were typically issued a fine.

·         It was assured that the Council raised awareness on the harm of tobacco and vapes, although it was accepted that more could be done to campaign against alcohol misuse.

Fire Safety

·         It was considered whether measures had been implemented to improve Home Fire Safety visits as it had been suggested by the Committee and HMI to use on-call staff. The Assistant Chief Fire Officer agreed that on-call staff could conduct the visits although there was an increased cost in doing so, and informed that Community Safety Advocates often conducted these visits. It was further assured that on-call staff conducted home fire safety visits at the scene of a fire. In addition, the Chief Fire Officer highlighted that they would likely face reluctance if requesting to release on-call firefighters to deliver non-statutory obligations such as these visits and would also create an additional burden for local businesses.

·         Members questioned whether there were incidents where the Fire Service was hindered by bad parking; the Assistant Chief Fire Officer acknowledged this occurrence and highlighted that crews were proactive and reminded residents to park considerably. The team also worked closely with Highways colleagues where necessary.

Libraries and Heritage

·         The Head of Culture thanked Members for their positive feedback on the use of libraries in communities across Lincolnshire.

·         It was noted that the Council had enhanced the Castle Illuminated offer in absence of the Christmas Market; it was reported that the event had already exceeded admission targets and the Lincoln Castle General Manager had received many positive comments from the public. Conversely, some Members suggested certain elements of the event were expensive; the Head of Culture assured prices were constantly reviewed, and agreed to continue to work with relevant third party operators to ensure the event remained commercially viable.

·         The Head of Culture  ...  view the full minutes text for item 52.

(To receive a report from Tracy Johnson, Senior Scrutiny Officer, which provides the Committee with the opportunity to consider and comment on the content of its work programme to ensure that scrutiny activity is focussed where it can be of greatest benefit)

Consideration was given to a report from Tracy Johnson, Senior Scrutiny Officer, which invited the Committee to review the work programme and to highlight any additional scrutiny activity which could be included for consideration in the work programme.

It was reported that the following items were scheduled for consideration and specifically pertained to the Committee sitting as the Crime and Disorder Scrutiny Committee:

·         The Committee would not sit as the Crime and Disorder Scrutiny Committee at the 30 January meeting as no reports would be provided.

·         Reports on the Domestic Abuse Strategy and Serious Violence in Lincolnshire – A Partnership Response, would be considered at the 19 March meeting.

·         At the 14 May meeting, the Committee would consider the Prevent Annual Report.

·         The Safer Lincolnshire Annual Report, and the Lincolnshire Women and Girl’s Strategy (Reducing Reoffending) would be considered at the 25 June meeting.

·         The Antisocial Behaviour Core Priority Group (including Community Trigger) and the Drug and alcohol Core Priority Group Report would be considered at the 30 July meeting.

·         The Safer Lincolnshire Partnership – Fraud Update Report and the Stay Safe Partnership Annual Update would be considered at the 24 September meeting.

·         The Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) and Lincolnshire Police Safer Together Partnership Agreement and LCC Community Safety – Evidence Based Practice would be considered at the 12 November meeting.

In addition, the Senior Scrutiny Officer confirmed that a progress report against the action plan and areas for improvement arising from the HMICFRS inspection of LFR would be considered at the 14 May meeting and that she would liaise with relevant officers regarding a report on the powers available to Trading Standards in relation to repeat offenders selling illicit alcohol and tobacco products.

RESOLVED

            That the work programme be approved.