The Public Health and Community Safety Panel met on 23 April 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, including an update on policing and crime, the adoption of a new strategy to combat violence against women and girls, and progress reports from Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. Key decisions included the approval of a £15 increase to the police precept and the noting of the new multi-agency strategy for violence against women and girls.

Police and Crime Update

Councillor Matt Fisher, the council's representative on the Police and Crime Panel, presented an update on policing matters. The panel approved a £15 increase to the police precept for Band D properties, bringing the annual charge to £280. This increase, the maximum allowed without a referendum, is intended to address rising costs related to pay, inflation, and reduced reserves, which are not fully offset by government funding. The additional income of approximately £8.3 million will contribute to a £292 million policing budget, alongside a challenging requirement to deliver nearly £7 million in savings. Public consultation showed strong support for the increase, with 68% in favour, and residents prioritised visible neighbourhood policing, road safety enforcement, and tackling burglary and anti-social behaviour.

Key themes from the scrutiny perspective included modernisation and efficiency, with a £1.04 million investment in data systems and Artificial Intelligence (AI), including the use of Palantir. Concerns were raised about the ethical use of AI and the reliance on human oversight. Workforce and leadership development, particularly strengthening middle management and operational resilience, was also discussed. Public confidence and communication were highlighted as crucial, with an emphasis on addressing the gap between perceived and actual crime rates. The panel also discussed the practical use of e-bikes in neighbourhood policing and the ongoing challenges with charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.

Councillor Kelly echoed concerns about AI, stressing the importance of human oversight. She also linked the police update to the subsequent agenda item on violence against women and girls (VAWG), noting disturbing figures regarding police officers involved in such crimes and seeking reassurance on professional development. Councillor Fisher confirmed a push for calling things out within the force and shared an example of how AI had aided cross-force collaboration in identifying a domestic abuse perpetrator.

Hertfordshire's Multi-Agency Strategy for Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)

The panel received a presentation on Hertfordshire's first multi-agency strategy for Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), presented by Katie Fulton and Helen Gledhill. This strategy, developed over a year with input from over 3,000 residents, specialists, and frontline professionals, expands the remit from domestic abuse to encompass all forms of VAWG, including sexual abuse, stalking, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, and honour-based abuse. The strategy aims to address the root causes of VAWG, identify and stop perpetrators, increase safety for victims and survivors, and support recovery. It will launch publicly in May, complementing Hertfordshire Constabulary's own VAWG strategy.

Key discussions revolved around statistics, success measurement, and the speed of the criminal justice response. Councillor Morris Bright sought clarification on the actual numbers of VAWG incidents and how success would be measured, while also raising concerns about the lengthy court processes for perpetrators. Katie Fulton assured that statistics are broad and available, and that evaluation from the outset of the strategy, including public surveys, will be used to monitor progress. The issue of perpetrator pursuit is a national strategy pillar, and local conversations are ongoing.

Councillor Ben Crystal inquired about unified branding and messaging across different councils to amplify the strategy's reach. It was confirmed that a suite of materials with consistent partnership branding is being prepared for all partners, including districts and boroughs. Councillor Colette Wyatt-Lowe asked about member involvement and potential liaison officers with the police, acknowledging GDPR constraints. The strategy will expand its champions network and explore a two-way feedback mechanism for anecdotal data.

The strategy's focus on early intervention, behaviour change, and support for victims was praised. Discussions also touched upon the role of education settings in preventing VAWG, the importance of male role models, and the need for tailored communications plans. The panel was assured that the new advocacy service, launching on 1 May, will support all victims regardless of gender, and that targeted communications will be developed for male victims, LGBTQ+ individuals, and the traveller community. The strategy was noted by the panel.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service CRMP Delivery Plan Update

Mark Barber, Deputy Chief Fire Officer, and David Daw, Head of Service Improvement, presented an update on Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service's (HFRS) Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) delivery plan for 2025-26 and 2026-27. The report highlighted strong delivery across the year, with significant improvements in operational equipment, digital systems, workforce development, and governance. Key achievements included investment in frontline capabilities, such as new fire appliances and breathing apparatus sets, and progress in people and culture initiatives, including the Staff Shadow Board and mental health support.

Looking ahead to 2026-27, the delivery plan focuses on responding to inspectorate actions, prevention improvement, organisational learning, and enhanced performance insight. Continued investment in people, digital systems, and infrastructure is planned. However, areas of concern were noted regarding station refurbishments and estate compliance due to funding constraints and Equality Act considerations, with these projects identified as being behind schedule. Significant capital investment has been guaranteed for the next two financial years to address these issues.

Councillor John Howe expressed concern about delays in the Longfield site development and station refurbishments, questioning the sufficiency of future capital funding. Councillor Crystal sought an update on the Hertford fire station upgrade. Maurice Bright acknowledged the overall positive progress but reiterated concerns about the Longfield site and accommodation for staff, while also inquiring about the potential impact of Local Government Reform (LGR) on these plans. The panel was assured that a five-year strategy is in place to account for LGR, and that funding is the primary concern for project completion. Updates were provided on specific station refurbishments, including Garston, Boreham Wood, Cheshire, and Welland, with completion dates anticipated in September 2027. Councillor Kelly inquired about the Staff Shadow Board, which was described as a representation of the workforce providing input on decisions. Concerns were also raised about supply chain resilience and planning for major incidents, with reassurance provided on existing resilience measures and national emergency service protocols. Alison Wren asked about the scope of the improved availability project, which will cover both full-time and on-call staff, with a focus on innovative recruitment and retention strategies for on-call firefighters. Jo asked about the expected outcomes for the residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) project, which is now live and covers high-rise and mid-rise buildings. The business fire safety team is monitoring compliance through annual inspections. The panel noted the contents of the CRMP delivery plan.

HMICFRS Inspection Report and Action Plan

Mark Barber and David Daw provided an update on Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service's progress in responding to the His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabularies and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) inspection report published in February 2025, which included an accelerated cause of concern. The service has made considerable progress against its action plan, with governance overseen by the Performance Assurance Group and enhanced scrutiny through a strategic oversight group. A rigorous three lines of assurance approach is being implemented to ensure improvements are evaluated, embedded, systemic, and sustainable.

The inspection identified 19 recommendations for improvement. The service is confident that the majority of actions will be substantially implemented before the next anticipated inspection in autumn 2026. Significant progress has been made on the accelerated cause of concern, with one recommendation closed following a July 2025 revisit, and all five recommendations now internally closed pending external confirmation. A second revisit in March 2026 acknowledged further progress. Key areas of progress include strengthened prevention arrangements, improvements in protection, operational enhancements, and progress in workforce planning and organisational culture. Estates and inclusive facilities remain the most challenging area due to capital funding requirements, although an improvement plan and secured funding are in place.

Councillor Kelly questioned the meaning of staff are being productive and time is spent effectively in the HMICFRS findings, which was clarified as relating to the minute-by-minute activities of firefighters and ensuring robust policies and procedures are in place. Concerns about service culture and understanding of values were also addressed, with reassurance given about the strong culture, bond between senior management and the workforce, and clear reporting lines. Maurice Bright commended HMICFRS and emphasised the importance of staff buy-in and genuine improvement over simply ticking boxes. The panel noted the contents of the report.

The meeting concluded with the announcement of the next meeting date: 4th June 2026 at 10 am.