The Thames Valley Fire Control Joint Committee met on Monday 13 July 2026 to review the performance and financial outturn for the 2025/26 financial year. Discussions also covered the ongoing update of the Inter Authority Agreement and the technology replacement programme.

Chairman's Annual Report 2025/26

The committee was scheduled to receive the Chairman's Annual Report for 2025/26, which provides a high-level overview of the Thames Valley Fire Control Service's (TVFCS) activities, progress on service plans, staffing, and financial position. The report highlights TVFCS as a flagship for collaboration in the region since its inception in April 2015, handling calls and mobilising resources for three Thames Valley Fire and Rescue Services (TVFRS). It also notes the significant cost efficiencies and improved resilience and performance achieved through the service, with collective savings projected to exceed £1 million annually over a 15-year period. The report also touches upon performance measures, staffing, and notable activities from the year, including the 10th anniversary of TVFCS and the tragic incident at Bicester Motion.

TVFCS Performance Monitoring Report Q4 2025/26

This report was set to detail the TVFCS performance for the fourth quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, covering January to March 2026. It was intended to provide an update on key performance measures across Great Place to Work – People, Public Safety – Effectiveness, and Public Value – Efficiency. The report notes that performance measures related to the average time to alert stations and challenged calls resulting in no attendance continue to be challenging to report accurately, with ongoing exploration of alternative evaluation methods. The report also details performance in areas such as headcount versus establishment, staff turnover, and absence rates, alongside emergency call handling times and mobilisation speeds.

TVFCS Financial Outturn 2025/26

The committee was scheduled to review the financial position of TVFCS for the fourth quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. The report indicates a year-end outturn of £2,971,467, representing a variance of -1.19% against the agreed budget of £3,007,294. Commentary within the report explains variances across various expenditure lines, including employment costs, training, and technology maintenance. It also details the capital outturn and the status of the Renewals Fund, which had a balance of £1,504,259 as of 31 March 2026. The report confirms that the collaboration continues to deliver significant savings compared to three standalone control rooms.

TVFCS Technology Replacement Update

An update was scheduled regarding the TVFCS technology replacement programme. This included a review of the procurement process for a new Command and Control (C&C) system. The report outlines the progress made in the plan and definition stages, including the appointment of external resources to assist with the contract definition. The procurement phase was published, with an anticipated end date in October, aiming for a new system to be in place by 1 April 2028. The report also identifies project risks, including financial pressure and local government reform, and discusses the timeline for the procurement, including supplier demonstrations and a potential negotiation phase.

TVFCS Inter Authority Agreement Update

The committee was set to receive an update on the progress of redrafting the Inter Authority Agreement (IAA). The current agreement is due for review, and work has commenced earlier than scheduled to facilitate the existing partnership and support long-term investment. The proposed updates aim to modernise the agreement, streamline governance, and address legal and contractual issues. Financial clauses, including the cost apportionment model, were under review by finance leads. The timeline indicates that a final draft of the IAA would be presented to the Joint Committee in September 2026 for recommendation to the Fire Authorities, with a target date for the TVFCS Command and Control System contract award in October 2026.

Forward Plan

The committee was scheduled to note the Forward Plan, which outlines future reporting dates and recommended actions for various agenda items. This includes upcoming reports on budget outturns, performance monitoring, and updates on the Inter Authority Agreement and technology replacement.