In the past week, the St Albans council has held several key meetings, addressing various important topics for the community. Here is a summary of the discussions and decisions made:

Public Health & Community Safety Cabinet Panel

Meeting Transcript

The Public Health & Community Safety Cabinet Panel met on Wednesday, 26 June 2024, to discuss issues relating to Hertfordshire Police, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), and Hertfordshire County Council's (HCC) public health team. While no decisions were made, several significant topics were covered.

Policing in Hertfordshire

The panel received a presentation from the OPCC on its strategic priorities for 2023-2026. The Police and Crime Plan 2023-26 outlines four key priorities:

• Keeping People Safe From Harm
• Preventing Crime and Harm
• Improving Trust and Confidence in Policing
• Strengthening Our Connections

The panel emphasised the importance of police visibility and accessibility, and discussed the use of CCTV and live facial recognition technology, which has raised privacy concerns. The panel also received an update from their representative on the Herts Police and Crime Panel.

Public Health

The panel reviewed the work of HCC's public health team, which focuses on reducing health inequalities, improving mental health, promoting healthy lifestyles, and protecting the public from health hazards. Challenges such as an ageing population, increasing obesity, and rising long-term conditions were highlighted.

Surveillance in Hertfordshire

A report on the use of covert surveillance under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) was discussed. The council uses covert surveillance in limited circumstances, such as preventing crime and protecting public safety.

Highways and Transport Cabinet Panel

Meeting Transcript

The Highways and Transport Cabinet Panel met on Tuesday, 25 June 2024, approving £1,120,000 in funding for various transport schemes across Hertfordshire.

Highways and Transport Schemes 2024/25

The panel approved the third tranche of the Integrated Transport Programme for 2024/25, guided by the Local Transport Plan 4. This tranche includes 18 schemes, such as real-time passenger information on buses, walking and cycling infrastructure improvements, and traffic management measures.

20mph Speed Limits

The panel discussed the council's programme for introducing 20mph speed limits in residential areas. Concerns were raised about the restrictive criteria for implementing these limits, with officers responding that the criteria align with national guidance.

A1217 Cycle Route

A proposed cycle route from the A1(M) at Junction 8 to the University of Hertfordshire was discussed. Public consultation showed broad support, though concerns about traffic flow, parking, and the environment were noted.

County Council

Meeting Transcript

The County Council met on Tuesday, 25 June 2024, to appoint a new Chief Executive and to honour a former council leader.

Appointment of a new Chief Executive

Angie Ridgwell was unanimously appointed as the new Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service of Hertfordshire County Council. Ridgwell is currently the Chief Executive of Essex County Council and has extensive experience in local government.

Death of David Beatty

The council observed a moment of silence for David Beatty, a former County Councillor and Leader of the Council, who recently passed away at the age of 91. Formal tributes will be made at the next full council meeting on 16 July 2024.

The Environment Cabinet Panel

Meeting Transcript

The Environment Cabinet Panel met on Friday, 28 June 2024, to discuss various environmental issues, including a new decision-making framework and updates on waste management, tree planting, and biodiversity.

Decision Making Support for Planning (DMSP)

The panel agreed to adopt the new Decision Making Support for Planning (DMSP) framework, replacing the existing Sustainability Hertfordshire Indicators Assessment (SHIA). The DMSP aims to ensure that new developments contribute to the county's environmental goals.

Waste Management Performance Report

The council reviewed its waste management performance, noting good progress but raising concerns about reliance on energy recovery. Efforts to reduce waste sent for energy recovery were discussed.

Sustainable Hertfordshire Programme Plan: Progress Report

The panel received updates on the Sustainable Hertfordshire Strategy, highlighting progress in reducing carbon emissions and increasing renewable energy use.

Tree and Woodland Strategy: Progress Report

The council discussed progress towards the Hertfordshire County Council Tree and Woodland Strategy, aiming to plant 100,000 trees by 2025. More work is needed to protect existing trees.

Biodiversity Duty

The panel reviewed the council's efforts to conserve and enhance biodiversity under the Biodiversity Duty, including creating new habitats and raising awareness through education and outreach programs.

Overview & Scrutiny Committee

Meeting Transcript

The Overview & Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday, 27 June 2024, to discuss the Healthwatch Hertfordshire report on social care and the committee's work programme for 2024-25.

Healthwatch Hertfordshire

The committee reviewed a report by Healthwatch Hertfordshire on social care, highlighting workforce shortages and lack of support for unpaid carers. The report was referred to the council's Cabinet for further consideration.

Work Programme 2024-25

The committee discussed its work programme, focusing on themes such as the cost of living crisis, the climate emergency, and residents' health and wellbeing. The impact of the government's Levelling Up agenda on Hertfordshire was also considered.

These meetings reflect the council's ongoing efforts to address key issues affecting the community, from public health and safety to environmental sustainability and social care.