Role of the CFA
The Lancashire Combined Fire Authority (CFA) is responsible for leading and supporting the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service by ensuring the provision of a fire and rescue service for the geographical area of Lancashire; staff training; arrangements to receive calls and mobilise fire crews; effective water supplies and Fire Safety advice.
The Authority is legally required to enforce fire safety legislation and to reduce the risk of fire causing death, serious injury, and property related losses to the community. The Authority must also make provision for rescuing people in the event of road traffic collisions and for protecting people from serious harm in the event of road traffic collisions in the Lancashire area.
The Authority must also ensure that the work of the fire and rescue service is efficient, effective and economical providing Lancashire’s council tax payers with maximum value for money.
The Combined Fire Authority has a Membership of 25 Elected Councillors consisting of: – 19 from Lancashire County Council, 3 from Blackpool Council and 3 from Blackburn with Darwen Council. The Authority has 5 public meetings held each year; to which members of the public are invited to attend as observers.
There are 6 Committees which report back to the Authority which are:
- The Appeals Committee hears relevant grievances and complaints.
- The Audit Committee advises on the adequacy and effectiveness of the Authority’s Internal and External Audit Service and risk management arrangements.
- The Performance Committee considers reports and makes recommendations on all aspects of performance management including the outcome of the national performance assessment framework for fire and rescue services.
- The Planning Committee considers reports and makes decisions relating to all aspects of planning arrangements, including consultation and communication arrangements.
- The Resources Committee considers reports and makes decisions relating to financial, human resources and property related issues.
Each of these committees has members from each political group in line with the party’s share of Authority’s seats. For example, if one party has a 70% share of the Authority’s seats it would have a 70% share of a Committee. Members of the public are also invited to attend any of the Committee meetings as observers.
Members lead and support the establishment and realisation of the Authority’s purpose, objectives, priorities and values. All Fire Authority members are required to sign an agreement to carry out their role effectively. The Chairman and Vice Chair of the Authority and the Authority Committees make special undertakings in accordance with their additional responsibilities. These responsibilities are set out in a Members Role.
Combined Fire Authority Members must adhere to a code of conductand supply information to a Register of Financial and Other Interests.
Contact the Lancashire Combined Fire Authority
If you wish to contact the Lancashire Combined Fire Authority please address any correspondence to:
Clerk
Lancashire Combined Fire Authority
C/o Democratic Services
Lancashire Combined Fire Authority
Headquarters
Garstang Road
Fulwood
PRESTON
PR2 3LH
Telephone 01772 866908/866720
Fax 01772 865144
Should you wish to access previous copies of agendas and minutes prior to 2010, please contact the Clerk to the Combined Fire Authority on the above telephone number(s) or email the address below: