Issue - meetings

To appoint Members to the Cheshire Fire Authority as representatives of Cheshire East Council.

Report of the Governance Lead Officer attached.

The Governance Lead Officer reported on the appointment of members to the Cheshire Fire Authority was a legal requirement. The early appointment of members as observers would also enable them to become familiar with their role and facilitate any necessary training.

It was noted that the Fire Authority was currently the Combined Fire Authority for Cheshire, Halton and Warrington in accordance with the Cheshire Fire Services (Combination Scheme) Order 1997.  However in the light of LGR, a new combination order would create the Combined Fire Authority of Cheshire West and Chester, Cheshire East, Halton and Warrington.

The current constitution of the Cheshire Fire Authority required the appointment of 14 representatives from Cheshire County Council, 4 from Warrington Borough Council and 3 from Halton Borough Council.

The Fire Authority was proposing the overall size of the Authority should be increased to 23 places, and from 1 April 2009, that both Cheshire West and Chester and Cheshire East appoint 8 elected members.  Prior to that date these members will have observer status.

The Fire Authority had sought nominations as soon as possible to enable those members to engage in budget and strategy setting for 2009/10.

The term of office for nominated Members is at the discretion of this authority. The report recommended appointments be made for 3 years to 2011 to tie in with member’s term of office.

RESOLVED – that 8 members be appointed to the Cheshire Fire Authority as representatives of Cheshire East Council from 1 April 2009 for a period of 3 years (to 2011) acting as observers prior to that date, on the following basis: 6 Conservative: 1 Liberal Democrat: 1 Labour, and that Group Leaders advise the Governance Lead Officer of their nominations as soon as possible.