The Public Health & Community Safety Cabinet Panel of Hertfordshire Council is scheduled to convene on Tuesday, 3 November 2026. The meeting's agenda includes discussions on the Prevent programme's update and performance, the recommissioning of specialist domestic abuse support within safe accommodation, and the recommissioning of drug and alcohol treatment and recovery services. Other topics scheduled for consideration are Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue Service's response to the summer heatwaves of 2026, the Panel's work programme for 2026/27, and updates on the Public Health Prevention Investment Programme.

Prevent Update

The Panel is scheduled to receive an update on the county's Prevent programme delivery and performance. The report details that Hertfordshire's Prevent partnership has been assessed by the Home Office as exceeding benchmarks across all seven assessed areas, including training, reducing permissive environments, and communications/community engagement. A recommendation has been made to continue promoting due diligence across community venues regarding speaker and venue hire, and to continue the delivery of the Prevent communications strategy with evaluation of its reach and impact. The report also outlines the UK's CONTEST strategy, the objectives of the Prevent programme, and the process for referrals. National trends indicate an increase in referrals, particularly concerning Extreme Right-Wing Terrorism and fascination with extreme violence, alongside a prevalence of mental health and neurodiversity among referrals. Hertfordshire's achievements in 2025/26 include securing additional funding for training and communications, and developing a new training package on Com networks – online communities promoting extreme behaviours. Future objectives for 2026/27 include the development of Project CaVE to support community groups and venues in safeguarding against extremist influences, and embedding changes to the Prevent programme following the Southport Inquiry Phase 1.

Recommissioning of Specialist Domestic Abuse Support within Safe Accommodation

This agenda item concerns Hertfordshire County Council's statutory duty, under Part 4 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, to commission support services for victims and survivors of domestic abuse and their children within safe accommodation. The current contract, delivered by Safer Places and partners, is due to end in June 2027, prompting a recommissioning process. A review has identified opportunities to strengthen provision, particularly for LGBTQ+ survivors, those with No Recourse to Public Funds, individuals experiencing multiple disadvantages, and families needing greater support to move on from safe accommodation. The proposed recommissioned service aims to increase capacity, expand specialist provision, enhance support for children and resettlement, and contribute to Hertfordshire's Whole Housing Approach. The report details the funding allocated, current provision, and identified needs, proposing a countywide model with increased accommodation capacity and diversified options.

Recommissioning of Hertfordshire Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Recovery Services

The Panel is scheduled to consider an overview of Hertfordshire County Council's commissioned drug and alcohol treatment and recovery services. Two separate commissioning processes are proposed: the All-Age Drug and Alcohol Treatment Service, which provides clinical and psychosocial assessment and harm-reduction interventions, is recommended for recommissioning via Direct Award Process C under the Provider Selection Regime (PSR), due to the incumbent provider's effective delivery and lack of proposed material changes. The Drug and Alcohol Recovery Service, which offers peer-led community support, is recommended for recommissioning through an open competitive process to facilitate a redesigned model. This approach aims to strengthen continuity of care, integrated pathways, and clearer links between treatment and recovery, aligning with the Hertfordshire Drug and Alcohol Strategy 2025-2030. The report outlines the current service arrangements, the strategic context, and the proposed commissioning approaches, noting that the treatment service contract is valued at £6.1 million annually, while the recovery service contract is expected to be between £550,000 and £650,000 per annum.

Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue Service's Response to the Summer Heatwaves 2026

This report is scheduled to provide an overview of the exceptional operational demand experienced by Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) during the summer 2026 heatwaves. Between June and August, the Service attended 17% more incidents than in the same period in 2025, with Fire Control receiving 99% more calls and 159 wildfires attended. The scale and duration of these incidents required significant resources, including appliances, relief crews, and specialist assets. HFRS also responded to 17 national resilience requests, providing support over more than 21 operational days while maintaining countywide response capability. The report details the contribution of staff across various functions, the financial impact estimated at approximately £400,000, and the learning being taken forward to strengthen preparedness for future extreme weather events. This includes developing a summer 2027 preparedness plan covering operational planning, resources, equipment, prevention, welfare, and partnership working.

Cabinet Panel Work Programme 2026/27

The Panel is invited to consider items for inclusion in its work programme for 2026/27. The work programme reflects the Panel's remit and will be reviewed and updated at each meeting to ensure it remains balanced and responsive to issues affecting Hertfordshire and its residents. The proposed programme includes reports on the Chief Constable's update, the Police & Crime Panel Representative's report, the budget, updates on Public Health Investment Programmes, and local government reform. Future items include HMICFRS inspection reports, the HFRS Community Risk Management Plan delivery plan, and Trading Standards delivery plans.

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

The Panel is scheduled to receive an update on the Public Health Prevention Investment Programme (PHIP), with a specific focus on the Nourish Hertfordshire and Healthy Ageing programmes. The Nourish programme aims to promote healthy eating among pupils, with activities such as gardening and cooking sessions, and will support schools in preparing for forthcoming changes to School Food Standards. The report highlights that obesity is influenced by various factors, including deprivation, and that the Nourish programme is part of a wider strategy to improve healthy weight outcomes, targeting communities most at risk. The evaluation of the Nourish programme is being led by the University of Hertfordshire. The Healthy Ageing programme includes consideration of the Age Friendly Employer Pledge, with Hertfordshire County Council having become the first upper-tier authority to join the Age Friendly Communities network in 2024.

Motion – Prostate Cancer Screening

The Panel is scheduled to consider a motion regarding prostate cancer screening. The motion highlights that prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer affecting men in England and that early diagnosis significantly improves survival rates. It notes that Hertfordshire does not currently have a dedicated county-wide strategy for prostate cancer awareness or early detection, and that certain groups, including Black men and those with a family history, face a higher risk. The motion proposes that the Council works with NHS Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board (now NHS Central East Integrated Care Board) to develop a strategy, establish annual awareness campaigns, develop targeted programmes for higher-risk groups, and produce an annual report to Members on prostate cancer incidence, mortality, and inequalities. The report notes that officers support most elements of the motion but do not support writing to the Secretary of State regarding a national screening programme, as a targeted programme for higher-risk men is already due to be introduced from 2027.

Motion – Growing Demand for Health Services in Hertfordshire

This agenda item concerns a motion highlighting residents' concerns about variable access to GP, dental, and mental health services in Hertfordshire, alongside growing demand due to an increasing and aging population. The motion expresses doubt over the rebuilding of Watford General and the future of specialist emergency cancer services, and concerns about the impact of Integrated Care Boards covering multiple county areas and the potential abandonment of Healthwatch. The motion recommends expediting a clear statement on cancer services, meaningful engagement with local communities, prioritising local urgent care in the South West, closer working between councils and the NHS, and ensuring patients have a voice. The Panel is to consider a report outlining a response to this motion, acknowledging that some issues fall outside the Council's direct responsibilities but supporting writing to Hertfordshire MPs to seek greater clarity on local health services.