The Staffordshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel met on Monday 28 September 2026 to discuss updates on the Police and Crime Plan and the Fire Safety Plan. Key topics included policing performance, victim support, fire service funding challenges, and road safety initiatives.

Police and Crime Plan Update

The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Ben Adams, presented an update on the Police and Crime Plan, highlighting progress and areas for improvement. His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) had recently inspected Staffordshire Police, noting positive developments in neighbourhood policing, safeguarding, and victim satisfaction. However, concerns were raised regarding call handling, risk assessments, and emergency response times. The Commissioner also detailed ongoing work in supporting victims, with a significant number of referrals to the Victims Gateway and the upcoming launch of a stalking support service. He acknowledged concerns about the early release of offenders and its impact on victims and probation services. The Panel was also updated on road safety initiatives, efforts to combat child criminal exploitation, and measures to address anti-social behaviour.

During the discussion, several specific issues were raised by Panel members:

• PCSO Shift Changes and Allowances: It was clarified that PCSO hours had not been reduced, but shift patterns had changed, potentially leading to a loss of around £150 per month in anti-social hours payments for some. Transitional financial protection arrangements were in place.
• Early Release of Offenders: While probation services hold primary responsibility, partnership arrangements are in place. Staffordshire had initially seen low numbers of early releases, but these were increasing. Housing support primarily involved advice rather than direct provision. Additional funding had been secured to support victims affected by these releases.
• Anti-Social Behaviour Powers: More detailed information on new powers would be provided in writing.
• Business Crime Referrals: These covered a range of offences, and the service, delivered via the Chamber of Commerce, offered security advice and support.
• Victim Satisfaction: The Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner acknowledged that communication with victims remained a key area for improvement, with feedback cascaded to all staff levels.
• Road Safety Data and Governance: Past issues with collision data recording had been addressed through technological improvements, training, and leadership.
• SPACE Programme Statistics: Inconsistencies in historical statistics related to the SPACE programme would be reviewed and clarified.
• Call Handling and Response Times: Specific figures for abandoned calls, 101 call handling times, and 999 response times were not available at the meeting but would be circulated.
• Police Officer Recruitment and Retention: The increase of 53 officers represented a net gain.
• Public Confidence Survey and CCTV: The Commissioner would investigate whether data from the public confidence survey could be broken down into urban and rural responses regarding CCTV.
• Demonstrations and Resourcing: Concerns were raised about the policing costs and resource pressures caused by regular demonstrations in certain areas, with discussions underway regarding future approaches and transparency.

The Panel noted the Police and Crime Plan Update and requested further information on new anti-social behaviour powers, SPACE programme statistics, call handling and response times, and CCTV data breakdowns.

Fire Safety Plan Update

The Panel formally thanked the Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service for their exceptional work during a demanding summer period, acknowledging the support from partners, including the farming community. The report detailed the delivery of the Fire Safety Plan and Integrated Risk Management Plan. The Commissioner highlighted that the Service had incurred approximately £450,000 in additional costs due to unprecedented wildfire activity during the summer, with five firefighters requiring hospital treatment but subsequently recovering. Prevention activities, such as falls response and home safety visits, were performing strongly, but significant financial pressures remained, with a projected budget shortfall necessitating further savings.

Key points from the discussion included:

• Firefighter Recruitment: Campaigns were widely promoted, attracting a high number of applicants.
• Palantir Software: Neither the Police nor the Fire Service currently used Palantir software.
• Pyrehill Site: The Commissioner emphasised that no decision had been made to dispose of the Pyrehill site. Various options were being explored to address financial pressures and ensure the long-term sustainability of the Service, with any future proposals aiming to enhance, not diminish, firefighter training.
• Fire Service Budget Pressures: Savings options were being examined, and future precept increases might be necessary to mitigate pressures, with government funding decisions remaining a significant factor.
• Fire Safety Visits: Home visits were now more targeted towards higher-risk households, representing a more effective use of resources.
• Community Preparedness for Wildfires: National and local reviews were underway, and community engagement was welcomed to inform future planning and resilience activities.
• Battery Energy Storage Sites: Specialist operational procedures were in place, and site-specific information was used by firefighters. Consultation with the Fire Service prior to planning permission was considered beneficial for ensuring adequate vehicle access.
• Water Rescues: The Commissioner agreed to seek further information from the Chief Fire Officer regarding future water rescue training requirements.

The Panel noted the Fire Safety Plan Update and requested further information on future water rescue training needs.

Questions to the PFCC by Panel Members

A brief overview of the progress following the implementation of revised PCSO shift arrangements was requested. The Commissioner reported that the new arrangements better aligned PCSO availability with demand, and initial evidence suggested the model was working effectively. Attention remained focused on the handover between PCSOs and warranted officers during evening periods, and PCSOs continued to play a significant role in the neighbourhood policing model.

Dates of Future Meetings and Work Programme

The Panel received an update on future meeting dates and the work programme, with the next scheduled meeting set for 7 December 2026.