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, operational cover reviews for the fire service, trading standards service planning, and resilience efforts. Key decisions included the adoption of new national standards for measuring fire service response times and a review of the fire service's operational cover, which confirmed current station and appliance locations remain appropriate.

Update from Hertfordshire's Chief Constable

Chief Constable Andy Prophet provided an update on policing in Hertfordshire. He highlighted national discussions around police force structures and the upcoming report from Lord Hogan Howe, which may recommend changes to the number of police forces. Prophet addressed recent antisemitic hate crimes in Hertfordshire, noting increased patrols around places of worship and the ongoing efforts to ensure community cohesion. He also spoke about the murder of Henry Novak in Southampton and the importance of delivering policing without fear or favour, ensuring no community receives a two-tiered response.

Locally, Prophet reported on the appointment of a new Assistant Chief Constable, John Simpson, and two new Chief Inspectors. He stated that the force is solving approximately 50% more crime than the previous year, moving towards the top third of forces nationally, though he expressed dissatisfaction with the current one-in-five crime solve rate. Control room performance in answering 999 and 101 calls was also noted as strong. The Chief Constable discussed the withdrawal of central government funding for hotspot policing, but confirmed that the Commissioner had secured additional funds to maintain the initiative, which had resulted in significant numbers of additional patrols, arrests, stop and searches, and weapon seizures.

Councillor David Herring asked about the potential for police force mergers, referencing a previous proposal for an East Anglia constabulary. Prophet recalled a similar discussion in 2005-2006 regarding mergers with Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk, which fell down due to complexity. He agreed that some functions, like procurement, could benefit from nationalisation, but stressed the importance of local policing remaining accountable to local communities and councillors.

Councillor Ben Crystal raised concerns about residents not knowing their local police teams and the ongoing issue of e-bike misuse. Prophet acknowledged the need to improve communication regarding neighbourhood policing and stated that an Assistant Chief Constable was leading a national working group on e-bikes, exploring legislative and practical solutions.

Councillor John Hale inquired about road traffic policing, noting an increase in road traffic collisions and fatalities. Prophet confirmed that road traffic policing is a shared team with Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire, and that the number of killed and seriously injured on Hertfordshire roads had increased over the past 12 months due to factors including technical challenges with the speed camera network and resource constraints. He outlined efforts to target high-risk drivers and riders, and to use education campaigns.

Councillor Paul Seeby expressed disappointment with the perceived lack of police presence in Waltham Cross and Cheshunt, particularly regarding antisocial behaviour and e-biking. He also questioned why Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) could not issue tickets for abstracted parking. Prophet stated that Inspector Matt Langley's team in Cheshunt was visible and actively tackling shop theft, using criminal behaviour orders. He offered to arrange a meeting between Councillor Seeby and Inspector Langley. Regarding PCSOs issuing parking tickets, Prophet stated he would take this away for consideration, noting that parking was a lower priority compared to issues like burglary and domestic abuse.

Councillor Beth Kelly welcomed the focus on neighbourhood policing and the potential for national restructuring, while also valuing local accountability. She also raised concerns about community tensions following the Henry Novak case. Prophet acknowledged that tensions and fear existed across all communities in Hertfordshire, but highlighted the county's strength in cohesion and common humanity, citing the Hearts Together program as an example of fostering common identity.

Councillor Morris Bright MBE praised the increased police presence in Hatfield, particularly in areas with high levels of shoplifting. He also raised concerns about the morale of the force, particularly in light of high-profile incidents and negative media portrayals, and asked about staff retention and exit interviews. Prophet acknowledged high attrition rates in policing nationally and within Hertfordshire, citing reasons such as shift patterns, pay, and feeling undervalued. He stressed the importance of leadership in reminding officers of their good work and maintaining morale, noting that while morale was pretty solid, there were pockets that required attention. He also confirmed that e-bikes were on the agenda.

Councillor Allison Wren raised concerns about water safety, particularly in light of recent heatwaves and the potential for water-related fatalities. The Chief Fire Officer, Alex Woodman, confirmed that water safety was a priority and that the National Fire Chiefs Council was lobbying government for increased responsibilities in this area. He highlighted the tragic number of fatalities, particularly among young people, and mentioned ongoing prevention campaigns and lobbying efforts. Woodman explained that increased responsibilities would likely involve increased funding for prevention activities, a stronger role in community risk management planning, and the need for specialist equipment and personnel.

Councillor John Hale asked about the reporting of crimes and the potential for crime figures to appear reduced if crimes are not recorded. Prophet assured the panel that the force was committed to recording all crimes and that HMICFRS inspections would identify any failures in this regard. He reiterated that house burglary was a priority and that the force was successfully targeting organised cross-border criminality.

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 analysed seven years of incident data and risk assessments, concluding that current fire station and appliance locations provide strong coverage for the county and are well-positioned to meet current and future risks.

A key change identified is the alignment of response time measurement with national standards. HFRS will now measure response times from the moment a 999 call is received, rather than from dispatch, and will report these times as an average rather than a percentage of occasions. This change aims to improve consistency, transparency, and comparability with other fire and rescue services nationally. The report confirmed that this change in measurement methodology does not alter the existing response time standards themselves.

Councillor Sean Prendergast asked for reassurance that the existing response time standards (e.g., attending road traffic collisions within 12 minutes, house fires within 10 minutes) would remain achievable with the new measurement approach. Barber confirmed confidence in achieving these standards, based on the seven years of data analysed.

Councillor Ben Crystal inquired about interactions with neighbouring fire services and any changes in the frequency of mutual aid. Barber confirmed that while HFRS aims to meet its own response commitments, mutual aid arrangements exist under Section 13 and 16 of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004. He noted that due to resource reductions in some neighbouring services, HFRS had seen an increase in reliance on mutual aid, but that HFRS's own resource numbers had not diminished.

Councillor Fiona Thomson sought reassurance on how members would have oversight of the exact response times moving forward, given that averages can be distorted. She also raised concerns about the transition period and the comparability of data. David Dawe, Head of Service Improvement, assured that all incidents are measured against attendance time standards and that rationale for any failures is recorded. He confirmed that more detailed information on fails would be provided to members in future reports. He also stated that while direct year-on-year comparison would be difficult due to the change in reporting methodology, sufficient data existed to provide reassurance on performance.

Councillor Paul Seeby asked about prevention campaigns in lower super output areas and concerns regarding Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). Assistant Chief Fire Officer Darren Cook explained that prevention activities are targeted based on risk modelling, including specific initiatives for drowning prevention in at-risk areas. Russell Reeder, Director of Regulatory Services, clarified that district councils lead on HMO licensing, with fire safety aspects regulated by local housing teams.

Councillor Morris Bright MBE praised the water awareness campaign and the work of HFRS. He also commented on the potential for restructuring and the importance of maintaining the service's effectiveness. He noted that Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service was an incredible force and expressed confidence in Chief Fire Officer Alex Woodman.

Councillor John Hale asked about cross-charging arrangements with neighbouring forces for works. Mark Barber explained that while there are no mandatory charging figures, HFRS is working with the Fire Finance Committee to establish nationally recognised figures. He confirmed that due to changes in Cambridgeshire's crewing model, Royston's focus is now primarily on Hertfordshire, and that HFRS charges appropriately for mutual aid provided.

Councillor Kelly inquired about the number of firefighters per head of population and the 5% decrease mentioned. Barber explained that the 5% figure represented a national reduction in operational workforce headcount due to savings targets, and that Hertfordshire had responded to similar pressures through initiatives like the ridership project, reducing fire engine crewing from five to four personnel and reallocating resources to prevention and protection work.

Councillor Allison Wren highlighted that Hertfordshire's fire and rescue service receives approximately 8% less funding than the national average, yet remains highly successful. Alex Woodman emphasised the focus on community risk management and prioritising resource allocation, acknowledging the importance of both the 999 response and prevention/protection activities.

Councillor Fiona Thomson praised the dementia-friendly sessions conducted by the Welwyn and Hatfield crews, advocating for their rollout across the county.

Trading Standards Service Planning

Richard Lewis, Trading Standards Manager, presented the Trading Standards Service Plan for 2026-2028. He outlined the broad remit of Trading Standards, which enforces over 300 pieces of legislation, and the process for prioritising work due to finite resources. This involves a strategic assessment, which informs the Service Plan and Business Plan. The MoRiLE (Management of Risk in Law Enforcement) methodology is used to assess harm and likelihood, guiding resource allocation.

Key priority areas for 2026/2027 include:

• Doorstep Crime & Rogue Trading: Targeting cold-callers and traders found online, with a focus on roofing fraud. The Service partners with Which? Trusted Traders to promote approved local businesses.
• Scams and Scam Prevention: Addressing scams perpetrated by organised criminals, with a focus on prevention through engagement at events and fitting call-blockers.
• Food Allergens and Food Fraud: Ensuring compliance with allergen labelling and safety laws, and tackling food fraud due to rising food costs. This involves inspections and a year-long sampling programme.
• Product Safety: Monitoring product safety, particularly with the rise of online sales, through intelligence-led sampling and inspections of high-risk premises.
• Illicit Tobacco: Tackling the increasingly complex trade in illicit tobacco, working with national and local partners.
• Underage Sales: Enforcing age restrictions on products like alcohol, tobacco, and knives, through advice to businesses and a test purchasing regime.
• Animal Health & Disease Prevention: Increasing animal health visits due to the prevalence of zoonotic diseases like bluetongue and avian influenza.

The report also highlighted future challenges, including a national shortage of qualified Trading Standards professionals and new legislation such as the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, the Renters Rights Act 2026, and changes to the Food Standards Agency's expectations.

Councillor John Hale praised the support provided by Trading Standards to residents and welcomed the apprentice scheme as a way to address youth unemployment and the shortage of qualified professionals. He raised concerns about the proliferation of vape shops and asked about the work being done with the police to identify illegal trade. Richard Lewis explained that the Service works with HMRC, districts, and the police, using intelligence and test purchasing to identify illegal activities. He noted that while the proportion of illegal vapes found was falling, the focus remained on illicit tobacco due to its greater health harm.

Councillor Beth Kelly asked about online vs. offline scams and the scope of the Service's work. Lewis clarified that Trading Standards primarily deals with scams related to transactions, working alongside the police on issues like romance fraud where there is no trade element.

Councillor Kelly also asked for more detail on the apprenticeship scheme. Lewis explained that the Level 6 qualification takes approximately three years, combining tutor-led sessions, home study, and shadowing. He confirmed there was no specific entry qualification bar and that the Service aimed to recruit from diverse backgrounds. He also mentioned a government-funded apprentice specifically for illicit tobacco work.

Councillor Paul Seeby expressed interest in the increasing role of criminality in Trading Standards' work and asked about trends, such as slimming drugs, and how communities could support the Service. Lewis stated that community intelligence was vital and encouraged residents to report concerns through the Consumer Service. He highlighted scam prevention as a key area where community awareness and vigilance were crucial. He confirmed that slimming products were an area of concern, and that the Service worked to identify and tackle illegal imports across all industries.

Councillor Morris Bright MBE emphasised the importance of promoting the work of Trading Standards, noting that their role in tackling organised criminality and multi-million-pound fraud was often underestimated. He also highlighted the need for greater public awareness of the Service's work.

Councillor Fiona Thomson echoed concerns about vapes not being specifically listed as a priority, given their impact on young people. Lewis explained that while underage sales of vapes were covered under Underage Sales, and illicit vapes were often found alongside illicit tobacco, proactive efforts were focused on areas where problems were known to exist, such as illicit tobacco. He assured that the Service remained agile and would pivot if the situation regarding vapes changed. Thomson also praised the work of Trading Standards, particularly in tackling doorstep crime and scams, and asked about the sustainability of apprenticeship programmes in light of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). Lewis confirmed that detailed conversations were ongoing regarding LGR, exploring various models, including shared services, to ensure the sustainability of the Trading Standards Service.

Resilience Update

Owen Tomlinson, Resilience Manager, presented an update on the county council's resilience and emergency preparedness arrangements. As a Category 1 Responder under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004, the council has statutory duties to assess risks, maintain emergency plans, ensure business continuity, and inform the public. The council works within the Hertfordshire Local Resilience Forum (LRF) to coordinate activities with other emergency responders.

The resilience function is overseen by a Resilience Board, chaired by the Chief Fire Officer and Executive Director of Community Protection, and supported by a small Resilience Team that provides a 24/7 emergency response. The approach is based on a continuous resilience cycle: Assess, Plan, Train, Test, and Debrief.

Key risks identified in the LRF risk register, which the council is a subject matter expert on, include flooding, extreme temperatures, pandemics, utilities failure, terrorism, and cyber attacks. Horizon scanning also identifies emerging risks such as the impacts of the conflict in the Middle East, industrial action, and protests.

The council's Incident Response Plan was reviewed and tested with the Joint Leadership Team, and business continuity plans are being developed and tested across directorates. The council also leads on several multi-agency plans, including those for care of people, mass fatalities, flooding, animal disease, and pandemics.

Training and awareness are considered critical, with efforts to embed resilience roles within existing staff responsibilities. Testing and exercising are conducted regularly, including internal exercises and participation in LRF exercises such as Exercise Frostbite (simulated building collapse) and a joint exercise with National Highways. The council has also responded to several notable incidents in the last two years, including flooding in Hitchin, a fire at the Meadows Traveller site, and fire safety concerns at a block of flats in Waltham Cross.

Councillor Fiona Thomson noted the increasing number of emerging risks and the importance of briefing members to provide reassurance to communities. She inquired about the frequency of updates to the National Risk Register. Alex Woodman, Chief Fire Officer, explained that while the register is reviewed annually, continuous risk assessment and horizon scanning occur at national and local levels, with mechanisms like COBRA and government advisors involved in exercises.

Councillor John Hale raised the importance of balancing preparedness with avoiding unnecessary public concern. He also asked for clarification on loggist training. Owen Tomlinson explained that loggist training equips staff to formally record decisions and actions during an incident, providing a consistent and auditable record for inquiries and debriefs. Alex Woodman added that this is crucial for evidential purposes and public scrutiny.

Councillor Ben Crystal welcomed the proposed webinar for councillors on resilience and asked about the mass fatalities framework, the resilience messaging system, and engagement with government levels. Tomlinson explained that the mass fatalities framework outlines how to deal with a large number of fatalities, and the resilience messaging system (borrowed from FIRE) is a pilot for rapid situational awareness updates. He confirmed that exercises involve central government advisors and that HFRS participates in national exercises like Exercise Pegasus.

Councillor Kelly welcomed the report and the planned webinar, asking if the HCC Incident Response Plan would be presented to the panel and what alternative communication methods would be used if the internet went down. Alex Woodman stated that the Incident Response Plan could be brought to the panel for discussion, potentially in a separate session, and that the council has layered security and analogue plans, including the Airwave network, to ensure communication during internet outages.

Councillor John Hale noted that the Audit Committee would be reviewing cyber security risks in July.