The Thames Valley Police and Crime Panel was scheduled to discuss the proposed police precept for 2026/27, review the effectiveness of evidence handling in serious sexual offence cases, and receive updates on recruitment and retention within Thames Valley Police. The meeting also included discussions on the Thames Valley CCTV Partnership and the evaluation of the RESTART programme.

Scrutiny of the Proposed Police Precept

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to scrutinising the proposed police precept for 2026/27. The Panel was scheduled to consider budget papers presented at a Performance and Accountability meeting between the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Matthew Barber, and the Chief Constable. The intention was for the Panel to question the PCC on the details within these papers and to consider approving the proposed precept.

The report outlined a proposal for the police element of the council tax precept for 2026/27 to be set at £298.28 for properties in Band D, representing an annual increase of £15. This increase was presented as necessary to ensure Thames Valley Police has the resources to effectively prevent and investigate crime, support victims, and protect communities, particularly in light of a £8.8m shortfall in expected central government funding. The report detailed how over 4,800 residents responded to a local crime survey, with Neighbourhood Policing – increase uniformed visibility in the community being the most selected area for contribution. The full supporting documentation for the budget was provided in a set of reports, including a Four-Year Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) and a Medium-Term Capital Plan (MTCP).¹

Evidence Handling and Case Collapses in Serious Offences

The Panel was scheduled to review a detailed report addressing concerns raised about lost or missing evidence in Rape and Serious Sexual Offence (RASO) cases. This report responded to media coverage suggesting Thames Valley Police (TVP) had the third highest number of collapsed sexual offence cases nationally due to such issues. Between October 2022 and September 2024, 19 sexual offences and one homicide were discontinued under CPS code E72, representing 1.24% of prosecutions. A review of 23 of these cases indicated that only three were directly attributable to police failure, with others attributed to court processes, victim or witness issues, expert evidence conflicts, or the continuing duty to review evidence. The report was expected to provide information on TVP's systems, training, and accountability mechanisms for evidence management, seeking to assure the Panel that improvements are being made. Detective Superintendent Jon Capps was listed as the author of the report.

Recruitment & Retention Update

A progress report on recruitment and retention within Thames Valley Police was scheduled for discussion. This update, requested at a previous Panel meeting in January 2025, aimed to provide information on efforts to reduce voluntary officer attrition. The report highlighted that retention is a critical enabler within TVP's Strategic Plan, with an objective to achieve a 10% reduction in voluntary officer attrition during 2025/26. Attrition was identified as a strategic risk, with historical data showing TVP experiencing higher attrition rates than peer forces, particularly among probationers. The report detailed a tiered governance structure for retention efforts, including a Retention Gold Group, a Silver Group with a refreshed Tactical Plan, and a Bronze Action Log. Key interventions discussed included refreshing incentives and reward packages, implementing clearer pre-start information, and reinforcing probationer support through focus groups and mentoring. The report also noted that while pay was not cited as a primary driver for leaving, work-life balance and wellbeing were significant factors.

Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) Clare's Law - Progress Report

The Panel was set to receive a progress report on the delivery of the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), also known as Clare's Law. This report focused on the period between September and November, comparing 2024 with 2025, to demonstrate sustained performance improvements. The report was expected to highlight the introduction of Robotic Process Automation (RPA), the transfer of responsibility for the scheme to Harm Reduction Units, and enhanced performance monitoring. Key insights indicated a consistent increase in DVDS applications, a significant rise in cases considered under the Right to Know scheme due to RPA, and an increase in the number of disclosures made within 28 days. Detective Superintendent Holly Stockwell was listed as the author.

Thames Valley CCTV Partnership

An oral update was scheduled from the PCC regarding the Thames Valley CCTV Partnership. This discussion was prompted by a statement from Matthew Barber, the PCC, highlighting that plans to improve CCTV in Oxfordshire were at risk due to a lack of engagement from local councils. The PCC had allocated approximately £1.5m of police funding to support CCTV across Thames Valley, with additional funding available to local councils. However, only West Oxfordshire District Council had taken up this opportunity. Cherwell District, Oxford City, South Oxfordshire, and Vale of White Horse District Councils had declined to join the partnership, missing several deadlines. The PCC was encouraging council leaders to join, with a final deadline of 19th December set for an agreement to be reached for the system to be operational by April 2026.

RESTART - Evaluation of the Scheme

The Panel was scheduled to receive a summary of the evaluation of the RESTART pilot programme. This programme aimed to reduce reoffending among prison leavers in Thames Valley. The pilot, which ran from May 2022 to October 2024 with a mix of Ministry of Justice and Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner funding, targeted individuals with repeat custodial sentences who were not managed under Integrated Offender Management (IOM) or Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA). The evaluation was expected to highlight improved early post-release stability for engaged participants, particularly in housing and emotional regulation, and a lower recall risk for supported users. Challenges such as housing, data-sharing, and short-term funding were also anticipated to be discussed. Helen Wake, OPCC Director of Service Delivery, was the author of this report.

Report of the Complaints Sub-Committee

The Panel was to receive a report from its Complaints Sub-Committee. This committee is responsible for handling non-serious complaints made against the PCC and Deputy PCC, resolving them through an informal resolution process. The report was expected to detail any complaints considered since the previous meeting, with proceedings noted as confidential.

Chairman/PCC Updates and Topical Issues Report

This agenda item was for the Panel to note and ask questions on a Topical Issues report. Members were reminded that any questions to the PCC should relate only to items detailed in the report. The report itself was expected to cover recent policing and crime news, including media articles on topics such as the potential scrapping of Police and Crime Commissioners, praise for Thames Valley Police's Project Vigilant in the Angiolini Report, and discussions around the structure of policing in England and Wales.

Work Programme

The final agenda item was for Panel Members to put forward items for the Work Programme, including ideas for themed meetings.