Technical Notes 2023, Issue 201 - Actions and Information from Scrutiny of Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue

1. The purpose of the Technical Note is to provide Members with an update from Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Annual Scrutiny at Council on 28 September 2023, reports EDC/012/23/CL and EDC/013/23/CL, respectively.
    
2. In response to a question regarding the fitting of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors the information provided by Group Commander David Moore is that the SFRS continue to fit Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors if and when required following an assessment of an individual`s risk and needs after a visit from our Operational Crews or Community Action Teams who will conduct a Home Fire Safety Visit (HFSV). He has confirmed that supply chain issues that SFRS have experienced due to a global shortage of electronic components continues, but they have continued to manage to procure an adequate supply of detection to ensure that no home that they visit is left without a working smoke detector.
    
3. In response to questions about collaborative working then representative from both organisations confirm that they will continue to work closely and with other partners to deliver key safety messaging and exercise to ensure a co-ordinated and effective operational response across East Dunbartonshire.
    
4. Examples of this partnerships working are highlighted below and more information is available direct from their respective organisations:

• Partnership Approach to Water Safety (PAWS). ED PAWS was launched June 2022 and brings together wide-ranging partners from key agencies to improve and promote water safety locally.
• To raise awareness of Dementia and promote the PS Herbert Protocol initiative and NFC Data Tag.
• Key joint messaging and frontline community delivery alongside council services of Community Safety and Streetscene on Bonfire and Fireworks Safety.
• Educational messages jointly at schools including bonfire/ fireworks and ice safety on water bodies.

5. A recommendation of EDC/013/23/CL advised that the new ED Local Fire and Rescue Plan 2023-26 would be finalised by the Local Senior Officer and be brought back to Council at a future date for approval.

Joe McKay, LSO East Dunbartonshire, has explained the delay and confirmed that SFRS are reviewing their national funding position of the organisation and considering savings options. They have developed a package of change proposals to address financial challenges and are now consulting on these proposals, thus the delay in future planning.  He confirmed that all changes will be subject to consultation with key stakeholders, including local authorities and eventually a wider public consultation.

6. Effective from 27 November, 2023, then Local Area Commander Scott Simpson is moving onto Greater Glasgow Division and will be replaced by Chief Inspector Aidan Higgins, who will be based at Kirkintilloch covering the local authority area.