The Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority Executive Committee met on Friday 16 October 2026. The meeting agenda included discussions on an extension and variation of an inter-authority agreement for the Thames Valley Fire Control Service, and the replacement of its Command and Control system. A discussion regarding the recruitment of a Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive was also noted.

Extension and Variation of the Thames Valley Fire Control Service Inter Authority Agreement

The committee was scheduled to consider an extension and variation of the Thames Valley Fire Control Service (TVFCS) Steady State Inter Authority Agreement (IAA). This agreement, originally established in 2015 with Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) and Royal Berkshire Fire Authority (RBFA), governs the joint operation of the TVFCS. The proposed Deed of Variation would align the IAA's duration with a new Command and Control System contract, extending it to 2033. It also aimed to update governance, operational, and financial provisions.

Key changes outlined in the report included:

• Duration: The IAA's expiry date would be extended to align with the initial seven-year term of the replacement Command and Control System contract.
• Governance: Amendments were proposed to clarify the composition of the Coordination Group, with each authority's Head of Function represented. Decisions would remain unanimous among present Heads of Function, with unresolved matters escalating. Approval of new or varied TVFCS contracts would remain an Authority Decision.
• Operational Management: Terminology would be updated to reflect current arrangements, and the Group Manager would be considered part of the permanent TVFCS staffing structure. The responsibilities of RBFA as operator and OCC and BMKFA for technical support would remain largely unchanged.
• Financial Arrangements: Revenue contributions would be paid quarterly instead of monthly. Approval thresholds for losses and additional revenue expenditure were to be rationalised, with the Coordination Group able to approve amounts up to £20,000, the Joint Committee up to £50,000, and the Authorities amounts above £50,000. The Renewals Account would be broadened to fund agreed implementation expenditure for the new Command and Control system. CCS Contract charges would be shared equally, while other revenue costs would continue to be apportioned under the Cost Apportionment Model.
• Cost Apportionment: The Cost Apportionment Model was to be refreshed using updated data, producing indicative shares of 37.5% for RBFA, 28.8% for OCC, and 33.7% for BMKFA. The next formal three-year review would be moved to after 31 March 2027.

The report recommended that the Chief Fire Officer be authorised to approve and enter into the Deed of Variation, in consultation with the Lead Member for Service Delivery, Protection and Collaboration, and the Chairman of the Executive Committee. It also recommended approval for the affixing of the Authority's Seal to the Deed of Variation.

TVFCS Command & Control Replacement

The committee was also scheduled to consider the replacement of the TVFCS Command and Control system. This mission-critical system supports emergency call handling, mobilisation, and incident management across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Services. Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) was leading the procurement process.

The report indicated that the procurement had been conducted as a Competitive Flexible Procedure under the Procurement Act 2023. The contract, intended for an initial seven-year period with an option for a further three years, would be jointly entered into by the Authorities. The preferred solution is intended to replace the legacy NEC Vision CAD and DS3000 ICCS arrangements, which are nearing the end of their operational life. The intended start date for the new system was 1 April 2028.

The report recommended that the award of a contract to the preferred bidder be approved, and that the Chief Fire Officer, in consultation with the Chairman, be delegated authority to finalise any necessary contract terms.

Financial implications noted that the preferred bidder's whole-life contract price was considered affordable and within the approved budget. However, an additional £0.200m contribution per Service to the Renewals Fund would be required in 2027/28, representing a timing difference rather than an overall increase in cost.

The report also highlighted the duty to collaborate between the partner Authorities, supporting the objective of maintaining resilient emergency service control arrangements and fostering collaborative working.

Chief Fire Officer / Chief Executive Recruitment

A further item noted for discussion was the recruitment of a Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive. No further details were provided in the publicly available documents regarding this agenda item.

The meeting also noted the date of the next Executive Committee meeting, scheduled for Wednesday 18 November 2026.