The Public Health and Community Safety Cabinet Panel of Hertfordshire Council met on Monday 14 September 2026. The panel discussed an update from Hertfordshire's Chief Constable, the adoption of a Council of Sanctuary status, and the Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue Service's annual performance. The panel also reviewed progress on public health prevention programmes and considered motions on prostate cancer screening and the growing demand for health services in Hertfordshire.

Update from Hertfordshire's Chief Constable

The Panel received an update from Deputy Chief Constable Andy Mariner and Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash Edwards. They reported on improvements in crime recording and solving rates, with Hertfordshire performing strongly nationally. Neighbourhood policing remains a priority, supported by targeted enforcement and improved safeguarding measures. Additional funding has been secured for patrols for the Jewish community, and preparations are underway for seasonal crime trends. While crime recording has increased, this is attributed to better reporting mechanisms. The Constabulary is also working to counter public perception of police visibility despite increased staffing. The Deputy Chief Constable highlighted the success of drone deployment and the ongoing efforts to address anti-social behaviour and road safety, including joint working with neighbouring forces and the use of speed awareness courses. Concerns were raised about heavy goods vehicles using village roads, and the PCC noted that enforcement action had been taken, with camera enforcement and County Council powers being explored for longer-term solutions. The Constabulary is also working to address unauthorised developments on green belt land and is preparing for changes arising from the Sentencing Act.

Motion - Council of Sanctuary Status

The Panel considered a motion proposing that Hertfordshire County Council work towards recognition as a Council of Sanctuary. The motion, proposed by Councillor Alistair Willoughby and seconded by Councillor Beth Kelly, highlighted the entitlement of those fleeing violence and persecution to seek protection and be treated with dignity. It acknowledged Hertfordshire's tradition of supporting those in need and the challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers. The motion requested that the Panel consider the implications, opportunities, and resource requirements of pursuing this status, and that officers provide a report on the accreditation process, existing support, potential benefits, risks, and partnership opportunities.

During the debate, concerns were raised about democratic legitimacy, the impact on council finances and services, and the potential for diverting focus from existing priorities. However, supporters of the motion emphasised that it was about supporting individuals already in the county, promoting dignity, inclusion, and community cohesion, and not about influencing immigration policy. A representative from the City of Sanctuary movement clarified that the proposal aimed to support integration and community resilience, not to increase asylum numbers. Following discussion, the Panel agreed to support the motion, which will now be considered by Cabinet.

Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue Service Annual Performance Report 2025-26

The Panel reviewed the Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue Service (HFRS) Annual Performance Report for 2025-26. Officers reported a notable increase in incidents attended compared to previous years, partly attributed to prolonged dry weather and a national trend of increased fires. Despite this, HFRS met attendance time targets for first fire engines to property fires and maintained performance for HAZMAT incidents, with improvements noted in second pump attendance times. The report highlighted increased productivity in Home Fire Safety Visits and Fire Safety inspections, achieved without detriment to other planned firefighter activity. The firefighter apprentice scheme continued to achieve high levels of success, and youth engagement programmes like Crucial Crew and The King's Trust Team Programme demonstrated positive impacts. The Service also continued to work with partners, including the farming community and the NHS, to enhance operational response and community safety. Sickness absence figures showed a slight increase compared to the previous year, with a focus on proactive management and wellbeing initiatives. The report also detailed progress in addressing recommendations from the HMICFRS inspection, with significant improvements noted in several areas, although some challenges remain, particularly regarding station refurbishments and the embedding of cultural changes.

Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue Service CRMP Delivery Plan Update 26/27

The Panel received an update on the HFRS Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) Delivery Plan for 2026-27. Officers detailed the progress made across various programmes and projects aligned with the CRMP's five strategic priorities: Protect, Excel, Transform, Engage, and Respond. The report highlighted the ongoing work of the Oversight Groups and the Performance Assurance Board in monitoring progress and driving service improvement. The introduction of the HFRS Staff Shadow Board was noted as a mechanism for gaining diverse staff perspectives on service decisions. Key projects included progress on the HMICFRS action plan, the implementation of a new mobilising system, and ongoing work on station refurbishments and PPE replacement.

HMICFRS Inspection Report and Action Plan

The Panel received an update on the progress made in addressing the recommendations from the HMICFRS inspection of HFRS published in February 2025. Officers reported significant progress in addressing the inspection's findings, including improvements in prevention strategies, workforce planning, and operational efficiency. The Service has adopted a more rigorous approach to resolving Areas for Improvement (AFIs) by using three lines of assurance to evidence that changes have been fully implemented, evaluated, embedded, and are sustainable. Considerable progress has been made on the action plan, with many recommendations expected to be largely implemented before the next HMICFRS inspection in November 2026. The Service is confident that the progress made will be evident to inspectors, with the aim of moving beyond 'requires improvement' to achieve 'good' and ultimately 'outstanding' performance.

Public Health Prevention Investment Programme Update: Nourish and Healthy Ageing Programmes

The Panel received an update on two programmes funded by the Public Health Prevention Investment Programme (PHIP): Nourish Hertfordshire and Age Friendly: Live Better. Nourish Hertfordshire, led by School Food Matters, aims to improve the school food environment for children and young people, with 11 primary schools recruited in Year 1. The programme focuses on whole-school food culture change, chef training, and improving pupils' relationships with food. The Age Friendly: Live Better programme, led by Age UK in partnership with others, aims to improve the health, wellbeing, and inclusion of older residents by reducing isolation, improving access to services, and promoting age-friendly practices. Progress includes recruiting locality officers, launching a community toilet scheme, and developing initiatives around transport and employer pledges. Both programmes are projected to have underspends in Year 1, which are expected to be absorbed in subsequent years to meet overall targets.

Motion – Prostate Cancer Screening

The Panel considered a motion proposed by Councillor Morris Bright and seconded by Councillor Paul Seeby, calling for improved prostate cancer awareness and early detection in Hertfordshire. The motion highlighted that prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in England, with higher risks for Black men and those with a family history. It noted the absence of a county-wide strategy or targeted awareness campaigns and called for the development of an Early Detection and Awareness Strategy, annual awareness campaigns, targeted programmes for higher-risk groups, and annual reporting to Members on prostate cancer outcomes. Officers supported most elements of the motion, but advised against writing to the Secretary of State for a national screening programme, as a targeted programme for higher-risk men was already scheduled for introduction in 2027. The Panel voted to support the motion, which will now be considered by Cabinet.

Motion – Growing Demand for Health Services in Hertfordshire

The Panel discussed a motion proposed by Councillor Dee Hart and seconded by Councillor Morris Bright, expressing concern about growing demand for health services in Hertfordshire. The motion highlighted variable access to GP, dental, and mental health services, uncertainty over cancer service provision, and the potential for reduced local influence due to the restructuring of Integrated Care Boards. It also noted the proposed abandonment of Healthwatch and local care partnerships. The motion called for an expedited, unambiguous statement on cancer services, meaningful community engagement, prioritisation of urgent care in the South West, and closer working between councils and the NHS. Officers acknowledged the concerns and advised that while many issues fell under the remit of the Integrated Care Board and NHS England, the Council would write to Hertfordshire MPs to seek engagement and improvements. The Panel voted to support the motion, which will now be considered by Cabinet.

Cabinet Panel Work Programme 2026/27

The Panel approved the proposed work programme for 2026/27. The programme includes regular updates on policing, fire and rescue service performance, public health initiatives, and the recommissioning of key services such as safe accommodation and drug and alcohol support. Members sought assurance that recommissioning exercises would not compromise service continuity or overwhelm officer capacity, and officers confirmed that robust planning and governance arrangements were in place to manage these processes effectively. The work programme will be reviewed and updated at future meetings to ensure it remains relevant and responsive to emerging issues.