The Public Health and Community Safety Cabinet Panel met on Friday 3 July 2026 to discuss a range of important issues affecting Hertfordshire residents. Key discussions included a motion to strengthen women's safety across the county and consideration of a report on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). The panel also received updates on the Better Health Bus initiative, the Public Health Grant, the Hertfordshire Armed Forces Covenant Board, and the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) annual report.

Strengthening Women's Safety Across Hertfordshire

The panel discussed a motion proposing a county-wide approach to strengthening women's safety, building on the success of the North Hertfordshire Women's Safety Charter. The motion highlighted the existing Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy and sought to develop a consistent framework for safety initiatives across Hertfordshire, encouraging collaboration between councils, police, fire and rescue, youth services, colleges, and the voluntary sector. The panel noted the motion and the response, acknowledging the importance of this issue and the commitment to improving safety outcomes. The report indicated that the VAWG Strategy 2026–2029 includes plans for robust performance measures to track progress in reducing repeat victimisation and improving safety.

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), also known as forever chemicals. Councillor Matt Fisher presented a motion highlighting the persistence of these chemicals, their widespread detection, and emerging concerns about their potential links to various health issues. The report acknowledged the UK government's PFAS Plan, which outlines a long-term approach to understanding and mitigating risks, but noted the lack of specific actions or funding for local authorities. The panel heard that Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has ceased using PFAS-containing firefighting foams since 2022 and has a Contaminants Working Group monitoring firefighter exposure. The report also touched upon PFAS in waste management, particularly in relation to Waste Upholstered Domestic Seating (WUDS) and legacy landfill sites. The panel was encouraged to consider a multi-faceted approach, including monitoring emerging science, advocating for stronger national measures, reducing PFAS use within council operations, and updating the Sustainable Hertfordshire Delivery Plan.

Better Health Bus

The panel received an update on the Better Health Bus, a mobile health unit aimed at reaching vulnerable communities and increasing access to health services. Since January 2026, the bus has expanded its services to include sexual health testing kits, Naloxone administration, drug and alcohol support through Change Grow Live (CGL), immunisations, and memory support. The bus has significantly increased its operational days and reach, attending 31 events and interacting with over 539 residents between April and June 2026, with 67% of these events in the most deprived areas of Hertfordshire. A new Community Support Worker has been recruited to enhance the meet and greet and signposting function, with 49% of bus users being signposted to other services. A new dashboard has been implemented for robust monitoring, and resident satisfaction remains high at 98.4%. Discussions also covered the sustainability of the bus, with plans to explore a cost recovery model for external organisations in the future.

Public Health Grant 2025/2026 – 2026/2027

An overview of the Public Health Grant spending for 2025/2026 and planned expenditure for 2026/2027 was presented. The core Public Health Grant for 2025/26 was £58.4 million, with additional grant funding of over £5.4 million for specific areas like substance misuse and smoking cessation. The largest proportion of the grant expenditure is allocated to major contracts for Public Health Nursing, Sexual Health Services, and Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services. The report also detailed significant internal commissioning commitments, totalling £10.8 million in 2025/26, supporting services across other council directorates that contribute to public health outcomes. The panel was informed of a reduction in the Public Health team's staffing establishment following a strategic review, resulting in salary budget savings. Reserves have been managed to remain within the recommended 10% of the grant allocation, with a drawdown of £1.2 million in 2025/26 for specific commitments. The consolidated Public Health Grant for 2026/27 to 2028/29 shows a modest increase, and planned spending for 2026/27 indicates approximately 70% on core services, 10% on salaries, and 15% on internal commissioning.

Hertfordshire Armed Forces Covenant Board Annual Report 2025-2026

The panel received the annual report of the Hertfordshire Armed Forces Covenant Board. The Board, comprising around 45 partner organisations, works to ensure that serving personnel, veterans, and their families are treated fairly and not disadvantaged when accessing services. The report highlighted progress in achieving fair access to services, with over 70 GP practices now having veteran-friendly accreditation and the Hertfordshire Heroes website continuing to be a key information hub. Recognition of service was promoted through participation in Armed Forces events and increased Covenant signings by local organisations. Initiatives to support integration into civilian life included the Military Village at the County Show and promotion of employment pathways. Looking ahead, the Board will focus on preparing for the expanded Armed Forces Covenant Duty, improving awareness, and targeting support towards those with the greatest need.

Approval of Regulation of Investigatory Powers (RIPA) Annual Report

The panel reviewed and noted the annual report on the use of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) and Investigatory Powers Act (IPA) by Hertfordshire County Council. The report detailed the Council's use of these powers between April 2025 and March 2026, confirming that policies remain fit for purpose with no proposed amendments. During the period, there were two directed surveillance authorisations, both related to Trading Standards investigations into underage sales of vapes, knives, and alcohol. No covert human intelligence sources were used. The acquisition of communications data saw an increase, with 86 applications submitted, primarily by the Shared Anti-Fraud Service, to assist in investigations such as social housing subletting and rogue trader cases. The report emphasised the necessity and proportionality of these powers and the robust safeguards in place, including independent oversight by the Investigatory Powers Commissioner's Office. The panel recommended to Cabinet that it approves the policies in relation to RIPA.

Update from the County Community Safety Unit (CCSU)

An update was provided on the work of the County Community Safety Unit (CCSU), an integrated team of Hertfordshire County Council and Police staff. The CCSU produces intelligence reports, including Joint Strategic Needs Assessments (JSNAs), develops strategies, and manages projects to address community safety issues. They are responsible for the statutory annual strategic assessment of crime and anti-social behaviour for all 10 Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs). Recent work includes JSNAs on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), Serious Violence, and Cuckooing. The team also supports the annual audit of drug-related deaths and issues drug alerts. The report highlighted the Drug Test on Arrest scheme, which saw 3,214 tests conducted in 2025/26 with 1,362 positive results, and the rollout of Naloxone to police officers, which has potentially saved 23 lives.

Police and Crime Update

Councillor Matt Fisher provided an update on the work of the Police and Crime Commissioner, highlighting significant improvements in crime recording accuracy, crime-solving rates, and emergency response times. Operation Hotspot has shown positive results in reducing crime and anti-social behaviour in targeted areas, though sustaining this following the withdrawal of government funding is a challenge. The report also detailed progress in safeguarding vulnerable people, including increased use of Clare's Law disclosures. The panel engaged in a detailed discussion regarding road safety, with members expressing concerns about the police's perceived lack of priority for enforcement. The use of Palantir data analytics was also discussed, with assurances given about its benefits in improving performance while acknowledging the need for ongoing scrutiny.

Hertfordshire Armed Forces Covenant Board Annual Report 2025-2026

The panel received the annual report of the Hertfordshire Armed Forces Covenant Board, which coordinates partnership efforts to support the Armed Forces Community. The report detailed progress against the Board's three aims: ensuring fair access to services, recognising service sacrifices, and encouraging integration into civilian life. Achievements included over 70 GP practices achieving veteran-friendly accreditation and increased participation in Armed Forces events. The Board is preparing for the expansion of the Armed Forces Covenant Duty and will focus on supporting those with the greatest need.

Public Health Grant 2025/2026 – 2026/2027

The panel received an update on the Public Health Grant, detailing spending for 2025/2026 and planned expenditure for 2026/2027. The core grant for 2025/26 was £58.4 million, with additional funding for specific areas. The report outlined how the grant is allocated across various services, including Public Health Nursing, Sexual Health, and Drug and Alcohol Treatment. Internal commissioning commitments and salary costs were also detailed. The panel was informed about the Public Health Prevention Investment Programme, funded by reserves, which supports initiatives in ageing well, healthy weight, and economic inactivity.

Better Health Bus

An update on the Better Health Bus highlighted its expanded services and increased operational activity. The bus now offers a wider range of health and wellbeing services, including sexual health testing, Naloxone provision, drug and alcohol support, and immunisations. It has significantly increased its reach, attending 31 events and interacting with over 539 residents between April and June 2026, with a strong focus on deprived areas. A new Community Support Worker has been recruited to enhance signposting, and resident satisfaction remains high. Discussions also addressed the sustainability of the bus, with plans to explore a cost recovery model for external organisations.

Approval of Regulation of Investigatory Powers (RIPA) Annual Report

The panel noted and commented on the annual report on the use of RIPA and IPA powers by Hertfordshire County Council. The report confirmed that policies remain fit for purpose, with no proposed amendments. The Council used directed surveillance twice for Trading Standards investigations and acquired communications data in 86 instances, primarily for fraud investigations. The report emphasised the necessity and proportionality of these powers and the robust safeguards in place. The panel recommended to Cabinet that it approves the policies in relation to RIPA.