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 discussions included the impact of high summer demand on police resources, ongoing financial pressures for the Fire and Rescue Service, and strategies for tackling anti-social behaviour and improving road safety.

Police and Crime Plan Update

The Police and Crime Commissioner, Ben Adams, presented an update on the Police and Crime Plan, highlighting both progress and areas for improvement. His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) recently inspected Staffordshire Police, noting positive developments in neighbourhood policing, safeguarding vulnerable people, and victim satisfaction. However, the inspection also identified areas requiring improvement in call handling, risk assessments, and emergency response times.

The summer period saw exceptionally high demand on police services, with call volumes comparable to New Year's Eve. A new armed police training facility is nearing completion, and a £9.5 million refurbishment of the Northern Area Custody Suite in Stoke-on-Trent has been approved. Victim support services continue to be delivered through the Victims Gateway, with plans to launch a new stalking support service in December. Concerns were raised about the early release of offenders and its impact on victims and probation services.

Panel members raised several questions, focusing on:

• PCSO Shift Changes and Allowances: Changes to shift patterns, while not reducing hours, have impacted anti-social hours payments, potentially leading to a loss of approximately £150 per month for some PCSOs. Transitional financial protection arrangements are in place.
• Early Release of Offenders: While Probation Services hold primary responsibility, partnership arrangements are in place. Staffordshire has seen increasing numbers of early releases, causing stress for victims. Additional funding has been secured to support affected victims.
• Anti-Social Behaviour Powers: More detailed information on new powers to tackle anti-social behaviour will be provided in writing.
• Business Crime Referrals: These cover a range of offences including burglary, assaults, shoplifting, and fraud, with support offered through the Chamber of Commerce.
• Victim Satisfaction and Communication: A key area for improvement identified by HMICFRS is keeping victims informed about investigations. While overall victim satisfaction has seen some improvement, communication remains a priority.
• Road Safety Data: Past issues with collision data recording have been addressed through improved technology and training.
• SPACE Programme Statistics: Inconsistencies in historical statistics relating to the SPACE programme will be reviewed and clarified.
• Call Handling and Response Times: Specific figures for abandoned 101 calls, unanswered 999 calls, and response times were not available at the meeting but will be circulated.
• Police Officer Recruitment and Retention: An increase of 53 officers represents a net gain, and efforts are being made to retain experienced officers.
• CCTV and Public Confidence: The Panel requested data on whether public confidence survey responses could be broken down into urban and rural areas.
• Public Demonstrations: Concerns were raised about the significant policing costs and resource pressures caused by regular demonstrations in certain areas.

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

Fire Safety Plan Update

The Chair acknowledged the exceptional work of the Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service during a demanding summer period, particularly in response to wildfires. The Service has incurred approximately £450,000 in additional costs due to wildfire activity.

The Commissioner highlighted significant financial pressures facing the Service, with a projected budget shortfall requiring further savings. Key areas of discussion included:

• Firefighter Recruitment: Recruitment campaigns are attracting high numbers of applicants.
• Palantir Software: Neither the Police nor the Fire Service currently use Palantir software.
• Pyre Hill Site: No decision has been made regarding the disposal of the Pyre Hill site. Various options are being explored to address financial pressures, with any future proposals aiming to improve, rather than diminish, firefighter training.
• Fire Service Budget Pressures: Savings options are being examined, and future precept increases may be necessary. Government funding decisions remain a significant factor.
• Fire Safety Visits: Home visits are now more targeted towards high-risk households, representing a more effective use of resources.
• Community Preparedness for Wildfires: National and local reviews are underway, and community engagement is welcomed to inform future planning.
• Battery Energy Storage Sites: Specialist operational procedures are in place, and consultation with the Fire Service prior to planning permission is considered beneficial for ensuring adequate access.
• Water Rescues: Further information will be sought regarding future water rescue training requirements.

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

Questions to the PFCC by Panel Members

The Commissioner provided an overview of the progress following the implementation of revised PCSO shift arrangements. The changes aim to better align PCSO availability with demand, and initial evidence suggests the model is working effectively. Attention remains focused on the handover between PCSOs and warranted officers during evening periods.

Dates of Future Meetings and Work Programme

The next scheduled meeting of the Panel was set for 7 December 2026. The Work Programme was received, with future items including updates on the Medium-Term Financial Strategy for the Police and Fire and Rescue Services, and the Fire and Rescue Annual Assurance Statement.