Emissions through sustainable transport

Ref: FOI/23057

RE: FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000 REQUEST  

West Midlands Fire Service has now completed its search for the information requested on 15^th April 2023

Please find below a summary of our findings.

Request.

In consideration of the climate crisis, I would like to request the following information about how the organisation is enabling staff to reduce their emissions through sustainable transport, and more specifically, cycling. 
 
1) over the past five years, broken down by year –

a) how many staff members used the Cycle to Work scheme?

c) what was the average value of the vouchers claimed on the scheme?

Reply

We only keep records for 18 months as that’s the length of a scheme.  Please find details of numbers and averages below

2022 – 103 orders (average £1,196)

2021 – 107 orders (47 over £1k @ average £1,613)

2020 – 140 orders (57 over £1lk @ average £1,774).

2019 – 74 orders.

2018 – 107 orders

Request.
b) what percentage of staff was this? 

Reply

Our organisational staffing figure is very fluid. Taking the latest total staffing of 1875, the percentages are as follows:

2022 – 5.49%

2021 – 5.7%

2020 – 7.46%

2019 – 3.94%

2018 – 5.7%

Request.

d) what was the number of those who took up the scheme, who then failed to complete, leaving the organisation with costs?

Reply

Only 1 member of staff did not complete the scheme leaving the organisation with costs.

Request.
 
2) what tools does the organisation use to encourage cycling for their staff - 
a) on a work basis

Reply

Staff who cycle to work have a secure place to store their bike. Staff also have access to shower facilities to use after their bicycle journey. We use a cycle to work scheme. https://www.cyclesolutions.info/wmfs

Request.
b) on a leisure/health basis

Reply
https://www.cyclesolutions.info/wmfs makes access to a bicycle easier to encourage leisure cycling using a salary sacrifice scheme.

Request.
3) with regards to staff, does the organisation - 
a) have any monitoring for what modes of transport staff use - 
i) for their journey to work –

Reply

WMFS has carried out a staff travel survey for our carbon reporting so we can confirm it has been done and we have the data in the carbon report. 

There is a driving licence check, but this is for the validity of the licence. Nothing is recorded, visual inspection only via DSA Website.

Request
ii) for journeys during work time  -

Reply

None. Staff either use their private vehicle or a works vehicle. Travel claims for fuel are recorded for private vehicle use, but this would not give a full picture or specify the type of vehicle.

Request
b) and if this data is recorded, I request a copy of such data as detailed as it can be reasonably given, while still protecting personal data rights.

Reply

N/A

Request
4) how many of the following does the organisation have available for staff use 
a) pedal cycles –

Reply

A scheme was run in 2021 but is no longer live.

Request

how many of the following does the organisation have available for staff use  

b) electric bikes  

c) motorbikes  
d) internal combustion cars 
e) electric or hybrid cars 
f) internal combustion vans 
g) electric or hybrid vans 
h) heavy trucks - None
 

Reply

This information is exempt under section 21 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 as this information is reasonably accessible to the requestor. Information concerning our fleet can be found on West Midlands Fire Service website at the following link:

https://www.wmfs.net/foi/fleet-list/

Request

5) does the organisation mileage scheme clearly state the claim rate for cycling 

Reply

Yes

“bicycles can be used for business and mileage rates are shown in Appendix 2”.

Appendix 2 - Allowance for Travelling Expenses

As from 17th October 2022, the standard mileage rate for travelling expenses will be 60p pence per mile (the HMRC approved rate) for all employees not on the casual and essential car user scheme.

 Request

6) how many cycling miles have been claimed by the organisation's staff in the past five years.

Reply

No miles claimed.

Request

7) Regarding your current cycle to work scheme - 
a) what scheme is currently in place

Reply

Cycle Solutions. https://www.cyclesolutions.info/wmfs

Request
b) what is the maximum limit on the cost of a bike, if a limit is currently in place

Reply

Currently the limit is £2000 on total order. Bike plus ancillary equipment etc, if needed.

If you have any queries about this freedom of information request, please contact us.  Please remember to quote the reference number above in any future communications.

For service complaints, issues or comments regarding this request please contact The Public Relations Department, West Midlands Fire Service, 99 Vauxhall Road, Birmingham, B7 4HW

Further information concerning Freedom of Information requests can be found on the Information Commissioner website at either the following link: https://ico.org.uk/ or at Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AF.