The Combined Fire Authority for County Durham and Darlington met on Tuesday 17 February 2026 to discuss the upcoming financial year's budget, the Community Risk Management Plan for 2026-2030, and the Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27. The meeting also included updates from various committees and a report on current correspondence.

Budget 2026/27 and Medium-Term Financial Plan

The meeting was scheduled to consider the 2026/27 Revenue Budget and Council Tax, Capital Programme, and Medium-Term Financial Plan. A report under Section 25 of the Local Government Act 2003 was presented, assessing the robustness of the estimates and the adequacy of reserves for the upcoming financial year. The report indicated that the budget process had involved a thorough examination of the recommended budget and that identified risks could be managed through contingencies and reserves. The adequacy of reserves was considered sufficient, with a general reserve aiming to be maintained at 5% of net expenditure. The report recommended noting the Treasurer's assessment and having regard to it when approving the budget and council tax for 2026/27.

Community Risk Management Plan 2026-2030

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) for 2026-2030. This plan, required by the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004, outlines how the Combined Fire Authority for County Durham and Darlington will identify, assess, and manage foreseeable fire and rescue-related risks. The CRMP details six strategies: Prevention, Protection, Response and Resilience, People, Finance and Resources, and Transformation and Digital. The report highlighted financial pressures, including reductions in government funding and limitations on council tax increases, which necessitate innovation and changes in operational methods. The plan also detailed the proposed consultation process for the CRMP, which was scheduled to begin on 18 February 2026 and run for 12 weeks. The consultation aimed to gather a wide range of views through online surveys and questionnaires, with specific questions posed on emergency response, collaboration, community safety, and workforce well-being.

Localism Act – Pay Policy Statement 2026/27

The meeting was scheduled to consider and approve the Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27, as required by the Localism Act 2011. The statement outlines the Authority's approach to the remuneration of Principal Officers and Directors, the lowest paid employees, and the relationship between their pay and the wider workforce. The policy aims to attract, motivate, and retain senior talent through a transparent and fair system, based on national terms and conditions where applicable. The statement noted that the ratio between the Chief Fire Officer's pay and the lowest paid competent firefighter was 4.7:1, and against the lowest paid workers was 7.0:1, which is below the government's expectation of 20:1 for local government. The report also detailed the Authority's approach to redundancy, early retirement, and re-employment, including pension abatement procedures.

Other Business

The meeting agenda also included a report on current correspondence received by the Director of Emergency Response, which provided updates on various matters relevant to the Authority. Notes from the Audit and Finance Committee and the Local Pension Board were also scheduled for discussion, offering updates on financial matters, risk registers, and pension administration.