The Public Health and Community Safety Cabinet Panel met on Thursday, 4 June 2026, to discuss a range of important issues including updates from the Chief Constable, the operational cover review for Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, trading standards service planning, and resilience efforts across the county. Key decisions included the adoption of new national standards for measuring fire response times and a commitment to maintaining current operational cover levels.

Update from Hertfordshire's Chief Constable

Andy Prophet, Chief Constable for Hertfordshire, provided an update on policing matters. He discussed the ongoing national conversation around police force structures and the anticipated report from Lord Hogan Howe, which may recommend a reduction in the number of police forces. Prophet addressed recent events, including attacks on the Jewish community and the murder of Henry Novak in Southampton, emphasizing that Hertfordshire Constabulary delivers policing without fear or favour. He highlighted progress in crime-solving rates, noting an increase of 50% compared to the previous year, and acknowledged the effectiveness of the hotspot policing approach, despite the withdrawal of central government funding. Concerns were raised by councillors regarding the visibility of neighbourhood policing teams, the use of e-bikes for criminal activity, and road safety, with the Chief Constable outlining ongoing efforts to address these issues.

Operational Cover Review Update

Mark Barber, Deputy Chief Fire Officer, and David Dawe, Head of Service Improvements, presented an update on the operational cover review for Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS). The review concluded that current fire station and appliance locations provide strong coverage across the county and that no changes to stations or resources are proposed. However, two key changes will be made to the performance framework: response times will now be measured from the moment a 999 call is received, rather than from dispatch, and performance will be reported as an average rather than a percentage of occasions. This aligns HFRS with national Home Office standards, improving consistency and transparency. The panel was reassured that these changes do not alter the underlying response time standards themselves.

Trading Standards Service Planning

Richard Lewis, Trading Standards Manager, presented the service's priorities for the upcoming year. He outlined the process for determining these priorities, starting with a strategic assessment that considers local intelligence, regional and national data, and the Management of Risk in Law Enforcement (MoRiLE) methodology. Key priority areas for 2026/2027 include doorstep crime and rogue trading, scams and scam prevention, food allergens and food fraud, product safety, illicit tobacco, underage sales, and animal health and disease prevention. Lewis also highlighted challenges such as a national shortage of qualified Trading Standards professionals and the impact of new legislation, including the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 and the Renters Rights Act 2026. The service is investing in apprenticeships to address the skills shortage. Councillors raised questions about the enforcement of regulations concerning vape shops and the visibility of Trading Standards' work, with Lewis explaining the focus on illicit tobacco due to its greater public health harm.

Resilience Update

Owen Tomlinson, Resilience Manager, provided an update on the county council's resilience and emergency preparedness arrangements. He explained that as a Category 1 Responder under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004, the council has statutory duties to assess risks, maintain emergency plans, and ensure business continuity. The Resilience Board oversees these activities, supported by a dedicated team that provides 24/7 emergency response. Tomlinson detailed the continuous resilience cycle, which involves assessing risk, planning, training, testing, and learning from incidents. He highlighted the importance of horizon scanning for new and emerging risks, such as extreme weather, cyber attacks, and the impact of global events. The report also touched upon the council's role within the Hertfordshire Local Resilience Forum (LRF) and the importance of councillors in disseminating trusted information during emergencies. The panel discussed the mass fatalities framework, the resilience messaging system, and the importance of testing and exercising plans, including those involving central government. Councillors expressed their appreciation for the comprehensive work being done to ensure the county's preparedness for a range of emergencies.