Here is a summary of the scheduled discussions for the Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority meeting. The agenda included a discussion of performance management, and a proposal to extend a funding agreement with the Milton Keynes Safety Centre. The meeting was also scheduled to confirm the minutes of a previous meeting, and to allow the Chair to make announcements.

Performance Management

The Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority were scheduled to note the Performance Management report for the first quarter of 2025/26. The report, which had previously been considered by the Executive Committee, details 53 specific performance measures, split across the six objectives defined in the 2025-2030 community risk management plan (CRMP):

• Reducing risk and keeping our community safe
• Protecting people from the risk in the built environment
• Responding quickly and effectively to emergencies
• An Inclusive, healthy and engaged workforce
• Making the most of our finances and assets
• Optimising our technology and data

The report highlighted that there were three fire-related fatalities across two accidental dwelling fires during the first quarter of 2025/2026, compared to an average of two fire-related fatalities per year in Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes. The report also noted that fire safety audits were below target, but that the service remained on target to complete its planned audit programme. There was also an increase in the number of resources that were used to support incidents over the border in neighbouring services' grounds.

Milton Keynes Safety Centre Funding

The Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority were scheduled to consider a proposal to extend the current funding agreement with the Milton Keynes Safety Centre (Hazard Alley) Limited by six months, to 31 March 2026. The Safety Centre delivers educational experiences, and the current funding agreement provided £75,000 over three years from October 2022 to September 2025. The report recommended extending the funding by a further £12,500 to maintain delivery for an additional six months while a new longer-term funding agreement is developed.

The report noted that between 1 October 2022 and 31 July 2025, the Safety Centre provided direct safety education to 44,014 children and young people from across Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes.

This targeted safety education has been delivered through a wide range of sessions covering topics such as fire safety, online safety, carbon monoxide awareness, knife crime prevention, road safety, and violence against women and girls (VAWG), helping young people make safer decisions and reducing risks in the community.

The report also noted that the Safety Centre's delivery aligns directly with the Fire Authority's prevention priorities, reaching priority groups including SEND pupils, refugee families, and young people at risk of harm.

The report stated that the extension of the funding agreement would support Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service's obligations under the Serious Violence Duty¹ by delivering preventative education and interventions that address risk factors associated with serious violence, thereby supporting the Serious Violence Reduction Strategy of both Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes City Councils.