The Public Health and Community Safety Cabinet Panel met to discuss a range of issues, including an introduction to Hertfordshire's Chief Constable, updates on mental health and substance use programmes, children's oral health, and fire and rescue service inspections. The panel agreed to note the reports and continue to champion public health and community safety initiatives.

Introduction to Hertfordshire’s Chief Constable

Andy Prophet, Hertfordshire's Chief Constable, introduced himself to the panel, outlining his priorities of preventing crime and catching criminals. He noted that public confidence in the constabulary is high, with 78% of people saying they do a good or excellent job.

Key points from the discussion:

• Community Policing: Councillor Crystal asked about the use of technology to monitor traffic-related issues. The Chief Constable responded that technology could be better used, but funding is a key factor. He suggested live facial recognition, more Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, and greater use of CCTV. He also highlighted the need to address shoplifting by working with retailers to improve security.
• Road Safety: Councillor Hale raised concerns about road traffic collisions and HGVs on restricted roads. The Chief Constable confirmed that roads policing is a collaborative function and that community intelligence is essential. He also pledged to investigate issues with the Herts Connected system, which is intended to allow the public to report issues and receive updates.
• Community Engagement: Several councillors emphasised the importance of visible policing in neighbourhoods. The Chief Constable committed to increasing foot patrols in crime hotspots and ensuring that each community has a named officer. Councillor Coley stressed the need for officers to interact with local children and get out of their cars.
• Mental Health: Councillor Kelly raised the issue of police officers spending excessive time in A&E departments with people experiencing mental health problems. The Chief Constable acknowledged this as a key priority to fix, as it takes officers away from other duties.
• Crime Statistics: Councillor Coley requested crime statistics broken down by area and demographics. The Chief Constable agreed to share this information, which is also available on the council website.
• Delivery of Vision: Councillor Whitelow asked how the Chief Constable would deliver his ambitions. He responded that it would be through hard work, deploying more officers to neighbourhood policing, and providing clear leadership. He also noted that a significant proportion of officers have less than five years of service, so training and development are crucial.
• Relationships: Councillor Bright emphasised the importance of relationships with the Police and Crime Commissioner, the fire and rescue service, and councillors. The Chief Constable agreed and highlighted the need for a clear shared plan within the community safety partnership.

Co-occurring Mental Health and Substance Use Programme

Lucy Macro, Strategic Lead Co-occurring Mental Health and Substance Use, presented an update on the co-occurring mental health and substance use (COMHSU) programme¹, which aims to improve pathways and outcomes for people with both mental health and substance use issues. Key areas of focus:

• Addressing the Gap: The programme aims to bridge the gap in services for people with co-occurring needs, who may fall through the cracks between mental health and substance use services.
• Myth Busting: The presentation challenged common myths, such as the idea that mental health and substance use are unrelated or that substance use treatment must come first.
• Service Mapping: A service directory is being developed to help professionals understand the range of services available.
• Service User Engagement: Healthwatch Hertfordshire² is analysing data from service users and carers to understand their experiences and challenges.
• Joint Working: A pilot programme is starting to place drug and alcohol workers in mental health teams.
• Data Collection: Efforts are underway to improve data collection on co-occurring needs.

Councillor Walkington asked how Hertfordshire compares to other councils in addressing this issue. Lucy Macro responded that it is a national issue and that most areas are roughly in the same position. Councillor Coley asked about outreach to homeless people and veterans with PTSD. Lucy Macro confirmed that there is a joined-up service for people experiencing homelessness, mental health, and drug and alcohol issues. Councillor Prendergast asked how the outcomes of the programme will be measured. Lucy Macro acknowledged that data collection needs to improve and that evaluation scoping is underway.

Public Health Oral Health Programme for Children and Young People

Aideen Dunne, Associate Director in Public Health, provided an overview of the oral health programme for children and young people in Hertfordshire. The programme aims to address the high rates of tooth decay among children, particularly in deprived areas.

Key components of the programme:

• Healthy Mouths Programme: Targeted at vulnerable children under five in areas with the poorest oral health.
• National Dental Epidemiological Programme: A biennial survey of oral health in five-year-olds.
• Pop-up Dental Clinics: Run in specific areas of high deprivation.
• Primary School Oral Health Screening Pilot: Offers screening and fluoride varnishing in schools in deprived areas.
• Supervised Brushing Programme: Being extended to early years settings.

Councillor Bright raised concerns about parental involvement and requested a list of the worst three places in Hertfordshire for oral health. Aideen Dunne agreed to provide this information. Councillor Howe asked for evidence that the programmes are making a difference. Aideen Dunne responded that the interventions are informed by evidence reviews and that population outcomes show a downward trend in tooth decay. Councillor Crystal asked about the healthy high streets initiative and the Hertfordshire Responsible Food Award. Aideen Dunne explained that these programmes aim to promote healthy choices and improve the food environment. Councillor Moore offered to support the programme by providing information and packs to those in temporary accommodation.

HMICFRS Inspection Report and Action Plan

Mark Barber, Deputy Chief Fire Officer, presented a report on the His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) inspection of Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue Service (HFRS). The inspection covered the operational service, efficiency, and how well the service looks after its people.

Key findings:

• HMICFRS reported positively on progress in some areas, such as fire control and estates improvement.
• However, there were concerns about prevention activities, which led to an accelerated cause of concern.
• The service needs to establish a robust workforce plan and improve productivity.

Councillor Herring asked if there was a lack of resources in the fire brigade. Mark Barber responded that the focus is on making the best use of existing resources. Councillor Moore asked about fire safety audits and the impact of the Building Safety Act. Mark Barber confirmed that the service is meeting its audit targets and that work with the Building Safety Regulator is progressing well. Councillor Crystal asked about home fire safety visits and data sharing. Darren Cook, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, responded that the service is targeting the most vulnerable and that data sharing agreements are in place.

HMICFRS Inspection – Accelerated Cause of Concern Action Plan

Darren Cook, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, provided an update on the action plan to address the accelerated cause of concern regarding prevention activities. He reported that good progress has been made, with several actions completed. The service has increased its targeting of vulnerable people and is working to improve its Community Fire Risk Information System. HMICFRS will be re-inspecting HFRS in July 2025 to review progress.

Councillor Bright praised the hard work of the fire and rescue services and noted the improvement in targeting vulnerable people. Councillor Coley asked about enforcement actions and waking watches. Darren Cook responded that data on these issues would be shared with the panel.

Health Protection Response Update

Kath Fenton presented an update on health protection matters, covering a range of issues such as communicable diseases, immunisation, and emergency preparedness. She noted that the health protection situation is relatively stable, with measles outbreaks having dropped and COVID-19 having stabilised. However, there have been several complex cases of tuberculosis and outbreaks of invasive group A strep in care homes.

Key areas of focus:

• Immunisation and Screening: Working to improve uptake of immunisation and screening programmes, particularly in areas where targets are not being met.
• Partnership Working: Collaborating with various organisations to deliver health protection services.
• Adverse Weather Preparedness: Preparing for summer by providing information on how to stay cool and hydrated.
• Pandemic Preparedness: Drafting an updated local resilience forum pandemic plan.
• Defibrillator and Bleed Control Kit Project: Working to increase the availability of defibrillators and bleed control kits in the community.

Councillor Walkington raised concerns about the closure of allotments due to lead in the soil. Kath Fenton responded that the council is waiting for environmental samples to come back and that the allotments will be reopened as soon as possible. Councillor Hill noted a typo in the report regarding DTAP uptake and asked what a priory area is. Kath Fenton confirmed that it was a typo and that priory should have read priority. Councillor Crystal asked about the risk factors for AAA screening and cool space locations. Kath Fenton responded that AAA screening is based on male and age-based risk factors and that she would check on the status of cool space locations. Councillor Coley asked what is actually in a bleed kit. Alex Woodman responded that he would bring one to a future meeting to demonstrate.