Agenda item

To consider the following Motion, written notice of which has been given by Councillor John Gilliver and Seconded by Councillor John McHale, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 16.1:-

“This Council calls upon the Minister of State for Policing and the Fire Service, Nick Hurd MP, to re-introduce Fire Safety Inspections following the tragic fire at Grenfell Towers and to look into a better funding settlement for South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service in the light of increased fire calls and fire deaths over the last 7 years.

The effects on South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service have been disproportionate due to a combination of the inadequacy of the fire formula and the ‘blanket’ approach to fire sector cuts. Since 2010, the County of South Yorkshire has lost five Fire Appliances and two Aerial Appliances. This has meant that during a recent fire call to a high rise block, in Doncaster, another Aerial Ladder Appliance had to be sent for from Sheffield which was over 20 minutes away.

This Council calls upon South Yorkshire Fire Authority, in light of Grenfell and other high rise incidents, to reconsider with immediate effect the position of the Doncaster Aerial Ladder Platform to reinstate a full time dedicated crew.”

Minutes:

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 16.1, a Motion was submitted by Councillor John Gilliver and Seconded by Councillor John McHale:-

The effects on South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service have been disproportionate due to a combination of the inadequacy of the fire formula and the ‘blanket’ approach to fire sector cuts. Since 2010, the County of South Yorkshire has lost five Fire Appliances and two Aerial Appliances. This has meant that during a recent fire call to a high rise block in Doncaster, another Aerial Ladder Appliance had to be sent for from Sheffield which was over 20 minutes away.

The Chair afforded all Members in the Chamber, the opportunity to speak on the Motion.

An amendment to the Motion was MOVED by Councillor Jonathan Wood and Seconded by Councillor R Allan Jones, in that the first paragraph read as follows:-

“This Council calls for the reintroduction of Fire Safety Inspections following the tragic fire at Grenfell Towers and do this by considering a number of funding measures to include the release of reserves.”

A vote was taken on the amendment to the Motion proposed by Councillor Jonathan Wood, which was declared as follows:-

For – 13

Against – 32

Abstain – 0

On being put to the meeting, the amendment to the Motion was declared LOST.

A vote was then taken on the Motion which was declared as follows:-

For – 36

Against – 1

Abstain – 8

On being put to the meeting, the Motion was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED that this Council calls upon the Minister of State for Policing and the Fire Service, Nick Hurd MP, to re-introduce Fire Safety Inspections following the tragic fire at Grenfell Towers and to look into a better funding settlement for South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service in the light of increased fire calls and fire deaths over the last 7 years.

The effects on South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service have been disproportionate due to a combination of the inadequacy of the fire formula and the ‘blanket’ approach to fire sector cuts. Since 2010, the County of South Yorkshire has lost five Fire Appliances and two Aerial Appliances. This has meant that during a recent fire call to a high rise block in Doncaster, another Aerial Ladder Appliance had to be sent for from Sheffield which was over 20 minutes away.