The Thames Valley Fire Control Joint Committee met on Monday 21 September 2026 to review performance reports, budget outturns, and updates on technology and inter-authority agreements. The meeting was scheduled to discuss the Thames Valley Fire Control Service's (TVFCS) performance for the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year, its budget outturn for the same period, and provide verbal updates on technology replacement and inter-authority agreements.

TVFCS Performance Report Q1 2026/27

The committee was scheduled to receive the TVFCS Performance Report for the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year, covering April to June 2026. This report was intended to provide an overview of the service's performance across three core themes: Great Place to Work (people), Public Safety Effectiveness (operational response and service delivery), and Public Value Efficiency (making best use of resources). The report indicated that performance was stable across these areas, with no significant matters requiring escalation. However, challenges in reporting on the average time taken to alert stations and the measurement of challenged calls where no attendance was required were noted, with ongoing work to refine these measures.

TVFCS Q1 Budget Outturn

The meeting was also scheduled to review the TVFCS Q1 2026/27 Budget Outturn. The report indicated a forecast underspend for the year, primarily attributed to lower employment costs resulting from staff turnover and the replacement of staff with new starters on lower pay scales. The report also noted that the MAIT grant had been received to cover relevant expenditure, but a grant relating to the National Insurance increase would not be received in the 2026/27 financial year. Capital expenditure for the TVFCS Replacement Project was also detailed, with costs incurred for project resourcing and legal fees.

TVFCS Technology Replacement Verbal Update

A verbal update was scheduled regarding the TVFCS Technology Replacement programme. The report indicated that the procurement phase was ongoing and progressing in line with government guidelines. Two compliant bidders had progressed to the next stage, which would involve demonstrations for operational staff. The report acknowledged a one-month slippage in the project delivery timeline, with the aim to have the new solution in place by 1 April 2028. Key risks identified included potential timeline overruns, financial approval pressures, and resource availability.

TVFCS Inter Authority Agreement Verbal Update

The committee was also set to receive a verbal update on the TVFCS Inter Authority Agreement. Work had begun on redrafting the agreement to align with the procurement and signing of the new command and control system contract. Proposed changes included moving to a capital budget arrangement that would allow planning across more than one financial year and introducing proportionate controls for contract approvals to reduce administrative burden for lower-value contracts. The aim was for the updated agreement and the contract award for the new system to be considered by the Joint Committee simultaneously.

Forward Plan

The Forward Plan for the next meeting, scheduled for 7 December 2026, was also to be noted. This included the TVFCS Performance Report Q2 2026/27, the TVFCS Q2 Budget Outturn, and updates on the TVFCS Technology Replacement and Inter Authority Agreement, with recommended actions for contract and agreement sign-off.