The Fire and Rescue Scrutiny Committee met on Friday 18 September 2026 to consider updates on the independent review of the service, the development of a new training facility, and progress on local government reorganisation. The committee also received information on community safety performance data, the annual statement of assurance, and reviewed its work plan.

Independent Review

The committee was scheduled to receive a verbal update on the outcome of an independent review. The report pack indicated that this review was a significant item, with the committee expected to consider its findings.

GFRS Training Facility

An update was scheduled to be provided on the development of the Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) Training Facility. The report pack detailed that this programme is crucial for maintaining a modern, resilient, and in-county training capability following the cessation of the Severn Park PFI contract in March 2028. The new facility at Coombe Hill and enhancements to five strategic satellite sites aim to support statutory obligations, national expectations, firefighter safety, and workforce development, preparing crews for current and emerging risks such as flooding, wildfire, and lithium-ion battery fires. The report highlighted that the facility would include a live fire training building, water mapping structure, and classroom facilities, with satellite sites at Gloucester South, Cheltenham West, Chipping Campden, Cirencester, and Coleford. The timeline indicated planning submission in September 2026, with construction estimated to start in February 2027 and completion by February 2028.

Local Government Reorganisation

A verbal update was scheduled regarding progress with plans for the implementation of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in relation to the Community Safety Directorate. The committee's work plan indicated that this would be a standing item, with scrutiny focused on monitoring the development of LGR plans and their impact on local communities and council staff.

Community Safety Performance Data - Quarter 1 2026/27

The committee was due to note the Community Safety performance data for the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year. The report pack included a strategic performance scorecard detailing various measures, such as the availability of wholetime and on-call appliances, the rate of Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSVs) undertaken, and the percentage of HFSVs conducted with vulnerable individuals. It also covered the rate of dwelling fires and the number of fatalities from fires.

Annual Statement of Assurance

The committee was scheduled to note the Annual Statement of Assurance for 2025-26. This document, required by the Fire and Rescue National Framework for England, is intended to provide assurance to communities and government regarding the delivery of the Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP), financial, governance, and operational matters. The report indicated that GFRS had made progress in addressing recommendations from His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) and was no longer under enhanced monitoring. The statement covered strategic aims related to People, Prevention and Protection, and Response and Resilience.

Work Plan

The committee was set to review its work plan and consider suggestions for future meetings. The report pack included a prioritisation table to guide members in selecting items for the annual work programme, encouraging consideration of whether scrutiny could add value and alignment with council priorities. Items already scheduled for future meetings included the outcome of the HMICFRS inspection, updates on LGR, GFRS audit, the GFRS Service Plan and Budget, and the impact of climate change. The committee also noted upcoming executive decisions for potential pre-decision scrutiny, including the Fleet Replacement Strategy and Donation Strategy.

Future Meetings

The dates for future Fire and Rescue Scrutiny Committee meetings were noted, with the next meeting scheduled for 26 November 2026.