MQT Feb 21 answers and late answers re LFB
Question No: 2021/0877
Andrew Dismore
Recent reports state that RICS is consulting on the use of EWS1 forms, particularly where there is no cladding visible on a high-rise building. Is this a reasonable action, given what we are learning from Grenfell Tower Inquiry phase 2 around flammable insulation and poor compartmentalisation?
EWS1 changes (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
The evidence being uncovered by the Grenfell Inquiry is of utmost importance and I am following the proceedings closely. It is clear that there are widespread building safety issues that go beyond cladding and external walls and these must be addressed through more Government funding and the speedy introduction of the Building Safety Bill and the Fire Safety Bill.
The purpose of the EWS1 form is to facilitate lending. It is not the equivalent of a fire safety certificate and nor is it intended to be. I wrote to the Government in September 2020 to urge greater action to unlock the housing market, including more guidance to set parameters around the use of EWS1.
Question No: 2021/0878
Andrew Dismore
Recent reports state that RICS is consulting on the use of EWS1 forms, particularly where there is no cladding visible on a high-rise building. Given that London has a high proportion of the buildings affected have you been involved in any of these discussions?
EWS1 changes (2)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
The RICS consultation is mainly focused on property valuation and mortgages rather than fire safety. As you know, I am actively lobbying the Government for the change that is needed to resolve this situation. I wrote to the Secretary of State in September 2020 setting out five urgent steps that should be taken. I am still awaiting a response. I will continue to push for action and my team will closely monitor the RICS consultation response.
Question No: 2021/0888
Andrew Dismore
Are there any outstanding areas of discussion between yourself and the Government regarding the delivery of London’s portion of the Waking Watch Fund?
Waking Watch Relief Fund (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
The GLA has given in principle agreement to administer the Waking Watch Relief Fund in London, subject to a forthcoming Mayoral Decision. My Building Safety team is currently working closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government regarding the delivery of the programme in London.
Question No: 2021/0889
Andrew Dismore
When do you expect the GLA to begin delivery of London’s portion of the Waking Watch Relief Fund?
Waking Watch Relief Fund (2)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
The GLA has given in principle agreement to administer the Waking Watch Relief Fund in London, subject to a forthcoming Mayoral Decision. My team is working closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to set the programme up and it is expected to open for applications in London in mid-March.
Fire Safety Inspecting Officers (1)
Question No: 2020/3469
Andrew Dismore
How many fire safety inspecting officers does LFB currently employ and how many does it predict it will need to deal with future demand?
Answer for Fire Safety Inspecting Officers (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 October, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Fire Safety Inspecting Officers (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
London Fire Brigade currently employs 84 Inspecting Officers and a further 40 Fire Safety Advisors who conduct ‘simple’ audits and should develop into Inspecting Officers. In terms of future demand, MHCLG have identified circa 62,000 premises in London that may fall within ‘higher risk’ categories that they may consider designating as being within scope of the new building safety regulator. That includes care homes, sheltered housing blocks, and hospitals where the vulnerability of residents is a crucial factor. The precise level of future demand is, therefore, currently unknown, although it is not expected to decline, and Inspecting Officers will continue to audit premises using a risk-based inspection programme.
Minimising firefighters’ exposure to toxic effluents (1)
Question No: 2020/4438
Andrew Dismore
The recent FBU report ‘Minimising firefighters’ exposure to toxic fire effluents’1 recommends that respiratory protective equipment is worn at all times whilst firefighting. Will you commit to implementing this for the London Fire Brigade?
1 Fire Brigades Union, ‘Minimising fire fighters’ exposure to toxic effluents’ [Date accessed 23.11.2020]
Answer for Minimising firefighters’ exposure to toxic effluents (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 December, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Minimising firefighters’ exposure to toxic effluents (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
I welcome the recent FBU report ‘Minimising firefighters’ exposure to toxic fire effluents’ and the work the union is undertaking with the London Fire Brigade on this issue. The current Respiratory Equipment Policy (PN466) details the procedures to be adopted when self-contained breathing apparatus (BA) is used. Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is used when personnel are committed to atmospheres with the potential to cause respiratory discomfort or injury. The London Fire Commissioner determines the operational procedures for the London Fire Brigade.
Minimising firefighters’ exposure to toxic effluents (2)
Question No: 2020/4439
Andrew Dismore
Does the LFB have a fully risk-assessed decontamination procedure?
Answer for Minimising firefighters’ exposure to toxic effluents (2)
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 December, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Minimising firefighters’ exposure to toxic effluents (2)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
London Fire Brigade (LFB) has an existing policy in respect of firefighter decontamination (PN584) which is risk-assessed and provides a safe system of work. This is principally designed for hazardous materials.
The risk assessment for fire contaminants is complete and a new policy specifically for fire contamination is in draft form. A review of this draft is being undertaken in response to the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) report, and LFB is consulting with the FBU regarding the introduction of the new procedures and the equipment required. The extant firefighter decontamination policy will remain in pace to deal with hazardous materials and the procedures will be used for fire contaminants in the interim while the new policy for fire contaminants is finalised.
Minimising firefighters’ exposure to toxic effluents (5)
Question No: 2020/4442
Andrew Dismore
Do firefighters currently receive training on the harmful health effects of exposure to toxic fire effluents to enable better practice? How regularly are firefighters expected to attend this training if so?
Answer for Minimising firefighters’ exposure to toxic effluents (5)
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 December, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Minimising firefighters’ exposure to toxic effluents (5)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
Guidance was provided to all operational staff regarding reducing exposure to contaminants through Ops News 37, published in August 2019. Training content will be added There is currently no specific policy in relation to the cleaning of appliances with regards to toxic fire effluent, although work routines are in place to ensure regular cleaning. Guidance will be provided within the new fire contaminants policy. This policy will be introduced in Q2 of the financial year 2021/22 following consultation.
Minimising firefighters’ exposure to toxic effluents (7)
Question No: 2020/4444
Andrew Dismore
How regularly is PPE professionally cleaned? Has this changed as a result of Covid-19?
Answer for Minimising firefighters’ exposure to toxic effluents (7)
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 December, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Minimising firefighters’ exposure to toxic effluents (7)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
PPE is professionally cleaned by London Fire Brigade’s (LFB) service provider, Bristol Uniforms, as and when staff require it and in accordance with the relevant policies – PN693 and PN533. As there is no limit on how many times PPE can be cleaned, LFB does not keep records of when this happens and so cannot provide information on whether this has changed as a result of COVID-19.
Minimising firefighters’ exposure to toxic effluents (8)
Question No: 2020/4445
Andrew Dismore
Do fire stations currently operate a zoned system? Do all stations have capacity to provide a designated ‘clean’ zone?
Answer for Minimising firefighters’ exposure to toxic effluents (8)
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 December, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Minimising firefighters’ exposure to toxic effluents (8)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
A zonal system is not currently in place. Station risk assessments and a zonal system will be introduced in financial year 2021/22.
Minimising firefighters’ exposure to toxic effluents (9)
Question No: 2020/4446
Andrew Dismore
What policies are currently in place regarding the regular cleaning and decontamination of appliances?
Answer for Minimising firefighters’ exposure to toxic effluents (9)
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 December, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Minimising firefighters’ exposure to toxic effluents (9)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
There is currently no specific policy in relation to the cleaning of appliances with regards to
toxic fire effluent, although work routines are in place to ensure regular cleaning. Guidance will be provided within the new fire contaminants policy. This policy will be introduced in Q2 of the financial year 2021/22 following consultation.
Protecting firefighter health (1)
Question No: 2020/4448
Andrew Dismore
What indications and early findings are coming from the Imperial College ongoing monitoring to assess the health of firefighters who served at Grenfell?
Answer for Protecting firefighter health (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 December, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Protecting firefighter health (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
The Grenfell Firefighter Study was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Researchers from Imperial College London were able to commence the regular monitoring of firefighters in November 2020. Because of this delay, findings from this study are not yet available.
Albert Embankment and government intervention
Question No: 2020/4451
Andrew Dismore
What have been the costs to the LFB for the maintenance and security of Albert Embankment as a result of the Government’s call in of the project? Please provide a month by month breakdown starting from June 2020.
Answer for Albert Embankment and government intervention
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 December, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Albert Embankment and government intervention
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
The requested monthly breakdown is provided showing actual costs from June – 9 December 2020 inclusive for maintenance and rates and utilities. Rates and utilities costs have been included to provide clarity on total running costs. Maintenance costs do not include any current committed spend or additional cleaning costs incurred as a result of COVID-19.
The security costs are in relation to the Rear Block site and are estimated costs based on last year’s costs, with the actual bill to be received in April 2021. This is an annual cost met by London Fire Brigade’s development partner for 8 Albert Embankment, U+I, who are responsible for security arrangements which, under the terms of the lease, is reimbursed annually by the Brigade and offset by any income U+I may have generated. With security costs paid in arrears, the breakdown reflects the annual cost of 2019/20 apportioned over 12 months.
| Month | Maintenance (actual costs) | Security (estimated costs) | Rates & utilities (actual costs) | Total |
| June | £14,468 | £5,667 | £17,660 | £37,795 |
| July | £24,540 | £5,667 | £14,474 | £44,680 |
| August | £18,919 | £5,667 | £19,469 | £44,055 |
| September | £10,705 | £5,667 | £19,504 | £35,877 |
| October | £5,902 | £5,667 | £16,532 | £28,102 |
| November | £30,484 | £5,667 | £16,996 | £53,147 |
| 9 December | £12,534 | £5,667 | £12,262 | £30,463 |
| Total | £117,553 | £39,669 | £116,897 | £274,119 |
Question No: 2020/4457
Andrew Dismore
Have the costs incurred by LFB due to supporting the work of LAS during the Covid-19 pandemic now been reimbursed? If so, how much has been paid; and if not, how much is due?
Answer for LFB and LAS [1]
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 December, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
LFB and LAS [1]
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
London Fire Brigade’s Q2 2020/21 financial position report included COVID-19 response costs of £9,412k, with net costs of £4,152k after additional funding which included an estimated cost recovery from the London Ambulance Service (LAS) of £3,500k. The LAS has now been invoiced for these costs to a total of £3,461k with invoices totalling £2,065k paid to date.
Question No: 2020/4462
Andrew Dismore
How is artificial intelligence being used to enhance the work of LFB?
Answer for Machine Learning and LFB
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 December, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Machine Learning and LFB
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
London Fire Brigade (LFB) is implementing Microsoft 365 across the organisations. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is built into Microsoft 365 and the tools that staff will use regularly, such as Outlook, Word, Excel. There are lots of features being introduced with this software that have started to help with the routine, repeatable work so that staff can concentrate on the more involved tasks. For example, Outlook can now read emails to the user and can dictate emails and Word documents. AI also helps to translate documents where required and can automatically caption videos or PowerPoint presentations. Behind the scenes, Microsoft 365 can proactively manage threats to protect business and personal data. LFB also use a cyber defence system, Darktrace, that utilises both AI and machine learning. The system baselines ‘normal’ digital operating environments powered by self-learning AI that autonomously detects, investigates and responds to cyber-attacks as soon as they occur.
LFB’s Fire Safety Department (1)
Question No: 2020/4463
Andrew Dismore
Has LFB’s fire safety department increased in size either in officer numbers or in workload since 2017? Please give staffing numbers and ranks for each year from 2017 to date.
Answer for LFB’s Fire Safety Department (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 December, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
LFB’s Fire Safety Department (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
There have been increases in both workload and staffing numbers across the London Fire Brigade’s fire safety department since 2017.
Following the Grenfell Tower fire, the fire safety regulation team has taken a more robust approach to the inspection and audit regime. The community safety function has taken on more pilot projects, carried out more collaborative working on other blue light projects and worked on the projected expansion of Fire Cadets. This has all contributed to an increase in workload and staffing.
The table below sets out staffing numbers by rank and grade, comparing the actual number of employees to establishment, from 2017 to date.
| 1 April 2017 | 1 April 2018 | 1 April 2018 | 1 April 2020 | As of 30 November 2020 | |
| Role/Grade | Est | Act | Est | Act | Est |
| Asst Commissioner | 1.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| Dep Asst Commissioner | 2.00 | 2.00 | 3.00 | 2.00 | 3.00 |
| GM/GC | 4.00 | 4.00 | 4.00 | 4.00 | 4.00 |
| SM/SC | 18.00 | 16.00 | 18.00 | 16.00 | 18.00 |
| WM B/ StnO | 47.00 | 38.00 | 46.00 | 37.00 | 44.00 |
| WM A/SubO | 57.00 | 48.83 | 59.00 | 46.50 | 59.00 |
| TMG 4/TMG C | 1.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| FRS G | 1.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 5.00 |
| FRS F | 10.00 | 10.00 | 11.00 | 10.00 | 9.00 |
| FRS E | 17.00 | 14.60 | 22.00 | 17.00 | 24.00 |
| FRS D | 16.50 | 15.19 | 20.50 | 17.30 | 37.60 |
| FRS C/D | 104.30 | 102.38 | 105.30 | 94.38 | 88.50 |
| FRS C | 29.00 | 27.79 | 35.00 | 30.39 | 56.20 |
| FRS B | 48.68 | 46.21 | 58.68 | 57.14 | 62.68 |
| Business Administration Apprentices | 5.00 |
Question No: 2020/4465
Andrew Dismore
There has been a longstanding arrangement that an ARA/specialist rank would be paid to take a junior officer to the rank above in recognition of additional work they are doing because operations officers would need to do operations on top of fire safety work. Why was this not offered for the c 20 fire safety posts needing to be filled?
Answer for Filling fire safety posts (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 December, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Filling fire safety posts (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
London Fire Brigade officers are in active discussions with the Fire Brigades Union about bringing operational staff into fire safety roles, which includes discussions on remuneration, access to qualifications and staying within the terms of the Role to Rank framework. It is anticipated that agreement will be reached, enabling more operational staff to undertake opportunities within fire safety.
Covid and self-isolation of firefighters
Question No: 2020/4467
Andrew Dismore
There are different interpretations by different officers on when firefighters should self-isolate due to Covid 19, not following NHS or PHE advice. Will you ensure that this advice is applied consistently across LFB?
Answer for Covid and self-isolation of firefighters
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 December, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Covid and self-isolation of firefighters
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
London Fire Brigade introduced risk assessments and Covid-19 secure guidelines and continually reviews working practices with Public Health England (PHE), partner agencies and representative bodies. Additionally, the Brigade Continuity Centre (BCC) has issued a Covid handbook to all managers of Station Commander and above, which provides advice on how various situations should be managed. The BCC is the receiving point of any notifications of the need for a station-based employee to either self-isolate or go on sick leave following notification of a positive Covid diagnosis and this ensures that the advice provided to managers is consistent with and in accordance with guidance.
Written guidance has been published explaining to managers how to manage self-isolation following a positive test at a station and a handbook has been distributed to relevant officers which is regularly updated as and when PHE guidance changes or when advice needs to be revised in response to developments.
The impact of Covid-19 of LFB’s operational response
Question No: 2020/4471
Andrew Dismore
What impact has COVID-19 had on the operational response of the London Fire Brigade, including the second lockdown?
Answer for The impact of Covid-19 of LFB’s operational response
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 December, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
The impact of Covid-19 of LFB’s operational response
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
Data for the period March to November 2020, with comparative data for the same period in 2019, is set out in the table below. London Fire Brigade (LFB) has attended a lower volume of incidents when compared to the year previously, with total incidents numbers down by 8 per cent. Fire casualties are down compared to 2019, and attendance times are faster than in 2019. There are some incident types that show an increase in 2020 compared to 2019, the most significant being ‘good intent’ false alarms in dwellings which are up 10 per cent. However, LFB picked up additional responsibilities during the COVID-19 pandemic to support blue light partners, including providing the London Ambulance Service with 450 volunteer firefighters through the Ambulance Driver Assist programme and 96 volunteers taking part in the Pandemic Multi-Agency Response Teams.
| Type of incident | 2019 | 2020 | Difference | |||
| All incidents | 81,314 | 74,584 | -6,730 | |||
| Primary fires | 7,422 | 6,669 | -753 | |||
| Fires in the home | 3,975 | 3,788 | -187 | |||
| Secondary fires | 6,900 | 7,427 | -527 | |||
| Special service incidents | 25,369 | 22,845 | -2,590 | |||
| Road traffic collisions | 3,464 | 2,483 | -981 | |||
| Lift releases | 4,248 | 3,154 | -1,094 | |||
| False alarms – automatic fire alarms in non-residential buildings | 17,155 | 13,244 | -3,911 | |||
| False alarms – good intent in dwellings | 4,749 | 5,218 | +469 | |||
| Fire casualties | 2019 | 2020 | Difference | |||
| Fire injuries | 479 | 457 | -22 | |||
| Fire fatalities | 27 | 20 | -7 | |||
| Attendance times | 2019 | 2020 | Difference | |||
| First appliance | 05:15 | 05:00 | -00:15 | |||
| Second appliance | 06:33 | 06:11 | -00:22 | |||
Electric vehicle charging points and LFB (1)
Question No: 2020/4474
Andrew Dismore
Which fire stations currently offer electric vehicle charging points for public use?
Answer for Electric vehicle charging points and LFB (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 December, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Electric vehicle charging points and LFB (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
All 97 fire stations that offer electric vehicle charging points are available for staff to use for their private vehicles. No charging points are currently available for the general public to use. The installation of publicly accessible rapid charging points at three fire stations (Acton, Hillingdon and Surbiton) is in progress.
Electric vehicle charging points and LFB (2)
Question No: 2020/4475
Andrew Dismore
Has there been any policy change regarding the public use of electric vehicle charging points at fire stations? Please provide details if so.
Answer for Electric vehicle charging points and LFB (2)
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 December, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Electric vehicle charging points and LFB (2)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
As part of the Mayor’s London Environment Strategy published in 2018, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) are committed to achieving a zero emission fleet. This involves switching their current fleet to zero emission vehicles, including electric.
Between 2015 and June 2020, nine charging points at the front of fire stations were accessible to the public. Public access to these points was switched off in July 2020 to support the LFB’s commitment of achieving a zero emission fleet. Further detail of the reasons for the change are set out in MQ 2020/4476.
Electric vehicle charging points and LFB (3)
Question No: 2020/4476
Andrew Dismore
Have any fire stations removed public access to electric vehicle charging points in the last year? If so please provide details of which stations and the reasons why public access has been changed.
Answer for Electric vehicle charging points and LFB (3)
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 December, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Electric vehicle charging points and LFB (3)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
As part of the Mayor’s London Environment Strategy published in 2018, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) are committed to achieving a zero emission fleet. This involves switching their current fleet to zero emission vehicles, including electric.
Between 2015 and 2020, nine charging points at the front of fire stations were accessible to the general public. Public access to these points was switched off in July 2020, at Croydon, East Ham, Edmonton, Finchley, Hainault, Harold Hill, Hornsey, Ilford, and New Malden fire stations.
While these charging points initially provided access to the public, LFB has since moved to a fully electric car fleet in line with their own zero emission commitment and usage by both fleet and staff vehicles has increased. It has, therefore proved challenging to keep the public access open, whilst maintaining availability for LFB vehicles
LFB Funding from Government (1)
Question No: 2021/0316
Andrew Dismore
Please provide details of the funding LFB have received directly from Government in the years 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18, 2018/19, 2019/20 and so far in 2020/21?
Answer for LFB Funding from Government (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 26 January, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
LFB Funding from Government (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
London Fire Brigade (LFB) funding is usually provided through the Greater London Authority (GLA) rather than directly by central Government. The below table sets out the specific Government grant income that has been received by LFB for capital and revenue expenditure, outside of the main funding provision.
| Year | PFI Grant(£m) | Other Capital Grants(£m) | Revenue Grants(£m) |
| 2015/16 | 3.7 | 1.2 | 11.3 |
| 2016/17 | 3.7 | 0.1 | 10.9 |
| 2017/18 | 3.7 | 0.0 | 9.6 |
| 2018/19 | 3.7 | 0.0 | 13.1 |
| 2019/20 | 3.7 | 0.0 | 32.1 |
| 2020/21 (to date) | 3.7 | 0.0 | 35.1 |
LFB Funding from Government (2)
Question No: 2021/0317
Andrew Dismore
How much of the funding LFB have received directly from Government has been received as a result of LFB making applications to government funds? Please provide a breakdown financial year by financial year.
Answer for LFB Funding from Government (2)
The Mayor
Last updated: 26 January, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
LFB Funding from Government (2)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
Of the funding received by London Fire Brigade, the following funding was received following applications to Government, and includes PFI grant, transformation funding and COVID-19 cost reimbursement.
| Year | PFI Grant applied for£m | Other Grants outside of annual funding provision applied for£m | Description for Other Grants |
| 2015/16 | 3.7 | 1.0 | Fired Up Grant (0.2m)Transformation Grant (£0.8m) |
| 2016/17 | 3.7 | 0 | – |
| 2017/18 | 3.7 | 0.367 | Exercise Unified Response (£354k)Hydrogen Truck Initiative (£14k) |
| 2018/19 | 3.7 | 0 | – |
| 2019/20 | 3.7 | 0.012 | Sustainable Development Grant from Department for Transport |
| 2020/21 | 3.7 | 0.252 | COVID-19 Grant from the Home Office |
LFB Funding from Government (3)
Question No: 2021/0318
Andrew Dismore
How many funds did LFB apply to unsuccessfully in the financial years 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18, 2018/19, 2019/20 and so far in 2020/21?
Answer for LFB Funding from Government (3)
The Mayor
Last updated: 26 January, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
LFB Funding from Government (3)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
There are limited opportunities for London Fire Brigade to apply for Government funding. Details of the two unsuccessful applications in that time are provided below.
| Year | Unsuccessful Claims |
| 2015/16 | £2.8m for the tri-fire transformation bid |
| 2016/17 | N/A |
| 2017/18 | Bellwin scheme funding claimed for Grenfell costs but was below claim de-minimis |
| 2018/19 | N/A |
| 2019/20 | N/A |
| 2020/21 | N/A |
LFB Funding from Government (4)
Question No: 2021/0319
Andrew Dismore
On average how many person hours does a funding application take?
Answer for LFB Funding from Government (4)
The Mayor
Last updated: 26 January, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
LFB Funding from Government (4)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
There are very few opportunities for London Fire Brigade to apply for Government funding, and therefore it is difficult to provide information on how long such applications take. The most recent claim to the Home Office for COVID -19 cost reimbursement is estimated to have taken about five person hours, including senior management sign-off. The COVID-19 costs had, however, been regularly collected for internal reporting, as well as for returns to the National Fire Chiefs Council. Therefore, most of the requirements for the claim were readily available to staff working on the application.
LFB Funding from Government (5)
Question No: 2021/0320
Andrew Dismore
What are the average annual costs to the LFB of making applications for government funding?
Answer for LFB Funding from Government (5)
The Mayor
Last updated: 26 January, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
LFB Funding from Government (5)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
There are very few opportunities for London Fire Brigade to apply for government funding, it is therefore not possible to provide an annual average cost of making applications.
Question No: 2021/0321
Andrew Dismore
How many days of leave for LFB staff were cancelled during 2020? Please provide a breakdown between operational, control, non-operational and non-uniformed.
Answer for Staff Absence (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 26 January, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
Staff Absence (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
London Fire Brigade does not record instances of staff leave being cancelled. The rostering system used for the recording of leave can identify leave which has been deleted but it is not possible to break that down to identify cancelled leave as opposed to leave deleted for other reasons such as sickness, change of leave dates and operational moves to different watches.
Question No: 2021/0322
Andrew Dismore
How many working days were lost as a result of LFB staff needing to self-isolate during 2020? Please provide a breakdown between operational, control, non-operational and non-uniformed.
Answer for Staff Absence (2)
The Mayor
Last updated: 26 January, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
Staff Absence (2)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
| Occupational Group | Self-isolate |
| Operational | 29,426 |
| Control | 508 |
| FRS | 786 |
| Grand Total | 30,720 |
Question No: 2021/0323
Andrew Dismore
How many sickness days were taken by LFB staff during 2020? Please provide a breakdown between operational, control, non-operational and non-uniformed.
Answer for Staff Absence (3)
The Mayor
Last updated: 26 January, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
Staff Absence (3)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
| Occupational Group | Lost Working Days |
| Operational Staff | 45,827 |
| Control Staff | 1379 |
| FRS Staff | 6797 |
| Total | 54,003 |
Question No: 2021/0324
Andrew Dismore
What help and support is available to LFB staff either needing to self-isolate or to take sick leave?
Answer for Staff Absence (4)
The Mayor
Last updated: 26 January, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
Staff Absence (4)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
Advice is available to all employees through the London Fire Brigade (LFB) intranet on the steps they need to take in the event that they need to report sickness or self-isolate. Those who remain unwell due to COVID-19 for a prolonged period are automatically referred to the Brigade’s occupational health service. Employees can also request referral to the occupational health service if they require medical advice and LFB’s Counselling and Trauma Services Team remains available to all employees in the event they need mental health support.
Question No: 2021/0325
Andrew Dismore
Please provide an update on the programme for staff welfare within LFB and how this has been adapted during Covid-19?
Answer for LFB Staff Welfare (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 26 January, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
LFB Staff Welfare (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) Counselling and Trauma Services Team and the occupational health service continue to provide support to employees and have adapted to using telephone/video communication as opposed conventional face-to-face interaction. Additionally, LFB provides a range of wellbeing advice and support through internal communication channels in the form of articles and short videos, including updates to employees and managers if the Government/Public Health England advice on COVID-19 changes. Psychological wellbeing has been a focus of regular information communications across the Brigade during the pandemic and counselling provision has also been reinforced by the provision of extra support for frontline staff working with the London Ambulance Service (LAS) and Metropolitan Police using a developing workforce of Mental Health First Aiders.
Question No: 2021/0326
Andrew Dismore
How has LFB improved support for the mental wellbeing of staff during the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly those who have worked on the frontline either with PMART or LAS?
Answer for LFB Staff Welfare (2)
The Mayor
Last updated: 26 January, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
LFB Staff Welfare (2)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
All London Fire Brigade (LFB) staff have been able to access counselling with the Brigade’s Counselling and Trauma Service (CTS). Access to immediate support is available 24/7 via an emergency counsellor and a text support service for Blue Light Personnel has been promoted to LFB staff. A network was created to provide additional support to officers detached on PMART or LAS duties and trained Mental Health First Aiders and volunteers made regular proactive support calls to detached officers after their shifts, offering support and signposting when a counselling intervention was required.
Following the second request for volunteers to assist LAS, LFB attended regular meetings with LAS supervisory managers to discuss the support the volunteers would need. At the point a volunteer begins work with LAS, LFB line managers will appoint a local officer to maintain contact throughout the time the volunteer is working with LAS to ensure they are supported.
Question No: 2021/0327
Andrew Dismore
How many sickness days have been taken by LFB staff due to stress in the year 2020/21? Please provide a breakdown month by month.
Answer for Staff Welfare (3)
The Mayor
Last updated: 26 January, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
Staff Welfare (3)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
| Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | |
| 2020/21 | 1091 | 1148 | 1265 | 1315 | 1351 | 1363 | 1218 | 1162 | 1181 |
Question No: 2021/0328
Andrew Dismore
How many sickness days were taken by LFB staffs due to stress in the year 2019/20? Please provide a breakdown month by month.
Answer for Staff Welfare (4)
The Mayor
Last updated: 26 January, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
Staff Welfare (4)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
| Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | |
| 2019/20 | 1100 | 1053 | 1075 | 1094 | 1173 | 1243 | 1305 | 1218 | 1100 | 1132 | 1188 | 1260 |
Question No: 2021/0329
Andrew Dismore
How many sickness days were taken by LFB staff due to stress in the year 2018/19? Please provide a breakdown month by month.
Answer for Staff Welfare (5)
The Mayor
Last updated: 26 January, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
Staff Welfare (5)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
| Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | |
| 2018/19 | 889 | 989 | 1009 | 1090 | 1114 | 1112 | 1307 | 1073 | 1088 | 1120 | 1053 | 1181 |
Question No: 2021/0330
Andrew Dismore
Do you anticipate the Government’s Waking Watch Relief Fund will reduce the workload of LFB?
Answer for Waking Watch Relief Fund (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 26 January, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
Waking Watch Relief Fund (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
It is London Fire Brigade’s understanding that the Government’s Waking Watch Fund will not cover all the buildings in need of remediation as the scope of the fund and logistical details have not yet been established. Once automatic fire detection and warning systems have been installed in affected buildings there may be some reduction in the frequency of visits needed by London Fire Brigade (LFB). Until full remediation is achieved, visits from LFB will continue to be needed to help ensure interim measures are in place and are being managed appropriately.
Audits, Inspections and LFB resources
Question No: 2021/0331
Andrew Dismore
The need to carry out audits on high-risk high-rise buildings with fire safety defects and to continue safety inspections for those with temporary fire safety measures in place because of fire safety defects is creating additional work for the LFB and using up its resources. Will you press the Government properly to compensate the LFB for having to pick up the slack from ineffective building regulation and stepping in to make sure Londoners are kept safe until these defects are fixed?
Answer for Audits, Inspections and LFB resources
The Mayor
Last updated: 26 January, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
Audits, Inspections and LFB resources
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
Following the Grenfell Tower fire, London Fire Brigade (LFB) officers have worked with the Government to highlight the need for funding to account for the additional work required in carrying out audits across London’s built environment and will continue to do so.
The Government has provided LFB with a one-off grant funding of £2.3 million for the Building Risk Review and £3.2 million for other protection uplift work. I have called on the Government to make this funding permanent to ensure that the Brigade is funded for the additional workload on an ongoing basis in order to keep Londoners safe.
Question No: 2021/0332
Andrew Dismore
What recommendations did HSE make following their visits to London fire stations since March 2020? Please provide a station by station breakdown.
Answer for HSE and LFB Stations (2)
The Mayor
Last updated: 26 January, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
HSE and LFB Stations (2)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) visited Kingston and Bromley fire stations in December 2020 and reviewed a range of COVID-19 related documentation in support of their visits. The HSE found London Fire Brigade (LFB) had put in place a number of controls to prevent transmission of COVID-19 but made recommendations following observation of physical separation between delegates at a specific training event. The HSE recommended that LFB review the risk assessment for that specific training event, which has since been completed. They also recommended that LFB closely monitor the risk assessments and implementation of risk controls on fire station premises, which is being actioned through the Health and Safety Premises Inspection tool and through area-based assurance teams attending stations without prior notice to assure compliance against risk assessments. All recommendations applied to both stations
Question No: 2021/0333
Andrew Dismore
With rising rates of Covid-19 and staff numbers being impacted by the need to self-isolate it is vital that mitigations for staff safety are in place and that managers understand how to achieve this. How rigorously are individual fire station Covid-19 risk assessments being evaluated by the LFB?
Answer for HSE and LFB Stations (4)
The Mayor
Last updated: 26 January, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
HSE and LFB Stations (4)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
All fire stations have a risk assessment to identify the hazards and risk control measures from COVID-19 on the station premises. Managers and staff are regularly reminded of the risk control measures that have been identified for their safety and instructed to comply with them.
London Fire Brigade (LFB) is using an existing monitoring system, the Health and Safety Premises Inspection tool, to monitor the COVID-19 arrangements that are in place. This requires monthly inspection of the COVID-19 arrangements at fire stations in accordance with the local station risk assessment. LFB managers are encouraged to take a union representative with them during this inspection.
Area-based assurances teams are attending stations without prior notice to assure compliance against risk assessments and be available to answer any queries by station personnel. The ongoing system of formal joint safety inspections between managers and trade union safety representatives, conducted quarterly, also allows for further scrutiny of COVID-19 arrangements.
Question No: 2021/0334
Andrew Dismore
What mitigations have been put in place to keep staff safe whilst participating in face-to-face training during the pandemic?
Answer for HSE and Training (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 26 January, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
HSE and Training (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
A range of mitigations are in place, in accordance with Government guidance on managing the risks from COVID-19 infection in the workplace, to keep London Fire Brigade (LFB) staff safe whilst participating in face-to-face training during the pandemic.
Risk control measures are centred on the general principles of ‘hands, face, space’ and include maintaining two metre separation from others, wherever possible, through limiting delegate numbers at training events, seating design and arrangements in training rooms and in eating areas and one-way systems. The Brigade has also issued face coverings, or respiratory equipment where required, and encourage regular hand washing or hand sanitisation. There may be other specific risk mitigations dependent upon the course or training venue that are identified by a risk assessment.
Additionally, the overall frequency of face-to-face training has been limited by restricting training delivery to risk critical training courses.
Question No: 2021/0335
Andrew Dismore
Why has LFB’s face-to-face training not been moved to online virtual training which offers similar features to enable discussion?
Answer for HSE and Training (2)
The Mayor
Last updated: 26 January, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
HSE and Training (2)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
A review of training was undertaken to identify current training delivery methods and suitability for conversion. Some courses have already been converted to a virtual platform where this has been possible, for example 80 per cent of the fire safety training suite of courses, all training for trainers and all functional skills courses. The transfer to virtual training needs to be supported by enhanced IT equipment at fire stations. This work is ongoing with 29 fire stations facilities being upgraded. It is anticipated that these enhancements will be completed by the end of March 2021.
Question No: 2021/0336
Andrew Dismore
In the light of current restrictions, will face-to-face training still continue during lockdown or will it be paused? If it is to be paused, what will be the criteria for restarting it?
Answer for HSE and Training (3)
The Mayor
Last updated: 26 January, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
HSE and Training (3)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
Some face-to-face training is continuing during the current lockdown period but has been limited to training that is either required because London Fire Brigade would face a risk in skills required to meet their statutory obligations, or is critical to the safety and wellbeing of staff and London’s communities. Training courses will be restarted based on these criteria, together with measures being in put place that follow government guidance on managing the risks from COVID-19 infection in workplaces.
ADA and taking Appliances off the run
Question No: 2021/0337
Andrew Dismore
How many appliances have been taken ‘off the run’ in order to allow for ADA? Please provide a month by month breakdown for January-December 2020
Answer for ADA and taking Appliances off the run
The Mayor
Last updated: 26 January, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
ADA and taking Appliances off the run
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
The tripartite agreement with the London Ambulance Service (LAS), which supports Ambulance Driver Assist (ADA), initially ran from 13 April 2020 and volunteers were requested again on 23 December 2020. London Fire Brigade vehicles will show as ‘off-the-run’ at some point during any day and the reasons for this are set out in the response to MQ 2020/3101.
Consequently, it is not possible to provide a breakdown of appliances that were taken ‘off-the-run’ in order to allow for ADA. Throughout the pandemic, the Brigade has continued to achieve its attendance targets to get the first fire engine to an incident within a London wide average of six minutes and a second fire engine within a London-wide average of eight minutes.
Control, Operational Response and Special Operations Group Merger (1)
Question No: 2021/0338
Andrew Dismore
Please provide an update on the proposed merger between these LFB departments and how this is anticipated to impact upon the work of the LFB.
Answer for Control, Operational Response and Special Operations Group Merger (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 26 January, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
Control, Operational Response and Special Operations Group Merger (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
As part of the Operational Resilience and Special Operations Group Review, a six-month transition period was agreed and this will be completed on 1 April 2021. The new management structure is now in place, with an Assistant Commisioner as head of service and two Deputy Assistant Commissioners (DAC) for Operational Resilience and Control respectively. The DAC for Control is a senior Control Officer which was one of the key recommendations of the review. Other notable changes include the London Resilience Group becoming a standalone department within the Operational Delivery Directorate under the Deputy Commissioner and the Head of London Resilience is now a head of service. Good progress is being made against all 19 of the recommendations andthe transition is being managed within business as usual activity with the majority of the recommendations focused on service delivery improvement, particularly on multi-agency communications during significant or major incidents.
Control, Operational Response and Special Operations Group Merger (2)
Question No: 2021/0339
Andrew Dismore
What consultations with staff took place regarding the proposed merger? What were the conclusions and recommendations from these consultations?
Answer for Control, Operational Response and Special Operations Group Merger (2)
The Mayor
Last updated: 26 January, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
Control, Operational Response and Special Operations Group Merger (2)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
All the respective trade unions were asked to make comments on the draft Operational Resilience and Special Operations Group Review and proposed recommendations. The only trade union to respond to the request was the Fire Officers Association (FOA). The majority of the recommendations focus on business as usual improvement and changes to reporting lines. Where further discussion is required on specific recommendations, and they have a direct impact on staff, London Fire Brigade will consult all trade unions as appropriate.
Non-Critical Work and Covid-19 (1)
Question No: 2021/0340
Andrew Dismore
Which non-critical work has the Brigade stopped in order to provide for the emergency response to Covid-19 in December and January?
Answer for Non-Critical Work and Covid-19 (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 26 January, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
Non-Critical Work and Covid-19 (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
London Fire Brigade (LFB) suspended all training from 20 December 2020 until 3 January 2021. All community safety activities including Home Fire Safety Visits, other than those deemed risk-critical, were also suspended. Local watch training continued as normal to ensure crews remained as prepared as possible and to enable the Brigade to understand the impact of London moving into Tier 4.
On 4 January 2021, LFB reintroduced essential and risk-critical training, with robust safety measures in place at all training venues. The suspension of all non-critical training has ensured LFB has limited the movement and increased the availability of staff to maintain their frontline emergency response to Covid-19. The Brigade continues to support local borough partnerships for vulnerable people in local communities including delivery of food supplies and other essential items such as pharmacy deliveries. LFB has also adapted the delivery of community safety work through the utilisation of digital platforms.
Non-Critical Work and Covid-19 (2)
Question No: 2021/0341
Andrew Dismore
How will stopping non-critical work impact upon the ability of LFB to maintain response times during the second wave of Covid-19 in London?
Answer for Non-Critical Work and Covid-19 (2)
The Mayor
Last updated: 26 January, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
Non-Critical Work and Covid-19 (2)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
London Fire Brigade has continued to achieve its attendance targets to get the first fire engine to an incident within a London wide average of six minutes and a second fire engine within a London-wide average of eight minutes throughout the pandemic. Suspending non-critical work has had no impact on these targets.
