The Place Overview & Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to consider updates on the Fire and Rescue Service's improvement programme and its cover model, as well as the highways service's preparedness for winter. The committee was also scheduled to review its forward work plan and responses to previous scrutiny recommendations.

Fire and Rescue Improvement Programme

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the progress of the Fire and Rescue Improvement Programme, which was initiated following a 2024 HMICFRS inspection that identified 26 Areas for Improvement. The report indicated that work had commenced on all these areas, with a structured approach to assurance, performance management, and organisational learning being developed. The Fire Improvement Board was scheduled to provide strategic oversight, with the Community Safety Management Team undertaking detailed scrutiny before Areas for Improvement were recommended for closure. As of the report, nine of the 26 Areas for Improvement had been approved for closure, with four returned for further work.

Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Service: Fire and Rescue Cover Model - Final Update and Recommendations

The committee was scheduled to consider the final update and recommendations for the Fire and Rescue Cover Model before its submission to Cabinet. This model is a long-term strategy designed to ensure the emergency response arrangements remain effective, resilient, and financially sustainable. The report highlighted the growing impact of climate-related risks, such as wildfires, and the increasing pressure on firefighters and resources. It was proposed to redistribute existing wholetime firefighters to five locations: Bicester, Witney, Chipping Norton, Faringdon, and Henley. Bicester and Witney were planned to provide 24-hour cover, while the other three locations would offer daytime cover. In Oxford City, the model proposed two wholetime and two on-call fire engines, with personnel from one of the Oxford fire engines redistributed to support the new wholetime locations. The report also noted that an on-call fire engine at Rewley Road was proposed to be retained and supported to improve its availability. Independent modelling was scheduled to be completed to confirm the robustness of the original assumptions and inform the detail of the final model.

Highways: Preparedness for Winter

The committee was scheduled to review the preparations undertaken by Oxfordshire County Council and M Group for managing highway safety defects and drainage risks during the 2026/27 winter period. The report noted that winter weather significantly contributes to highway deterioration, and preparations were being made to enhance the council's ability to respond effectively to increased demand. A key concern was the potential for a Super El Niño event, characterised by a stormy start followed by freezing conditions. The report detailed improvements in operational planning, technological advancements, and communications, including more flexible deployment of repair crews, enhanced weather forecasting, and a resilient supply chain for specialist repair materials. A countywide highway drainage inspection programme had been completed, providing an improved evidence base for targeted cleansing, investigations, and repairs, with additional capital funding allocated for longer-term drainage solutions.

Committee Forward Work Plan

The committee was scheduled to agree its work programme for forthcoming meetings. This would involve considering any changes from previous iterations and taking into account the Cabinet Forward Plan and the Budget Management Monitoring Report.

Responses to Scrutiny Recommendations

The committee was scheduled to note the Cabinet's response to the Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee's report on the Temporary Congestion Charge Monitoring Report. This response was expected to be approved by Cabinet on 20 October 2026.

Committee Action and Recommendation Tracker

The committee was recommended to note the progress of previous recommendations and actions arising from earlier meetings, with an opportunity to raise any questions on the contents.