The Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel is scheduled to meet on Thursday 18 June 2026 to review the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner's Annual Report for 2025/26 and the Fire and Rescue Statement for the same period. The Panel will also discuss the impact of serious drug-related and knife crime in Northamptonshire, and consider its work programme and operating arrangements for the upcoming year.

Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner's Annual Report for 2025/26

The Panel is scheduled to review the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner's Annual Report for the 2025/26 financial year. This report details the work undertaken by the Commissioner in relation to their responsibilities for policing and fire and rescue services in Northamptonshire. The report outlines progress made against the priorities set out in the Commissioner's Safe and Sound plan, covering areas such as visible and accessible community services, professionalism and standards, and strong partnerships. It also includes a breakdown of policing and fire service expenditure for the year. The Panel's statutory responsibilities in reviewing this report are detailed in the provided documentation.

Fire and Rescue Statement for 2025/26

Alongside the Annual Report, the Panel is set to review the Fire and Rescue Statement for 2025/26. This statement provides assurance of compliance with the Fire and Rescue National Framework for England. It covers financial, governance, and operational matters related to Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service. The report details performance oversight, financial assurance, governance arrangements, and operational assurance, including the Community Risk Management Plan and findings from His Majesty's Inspectorate of Fire and Rescue Services.

Impact of Serious Drug-Related Crime, Including Knife Crime, and Responses

A significant portion of the meeting is dedicated to discussing the impact of serious drug-related crime, including knife crime, in Northamptonshire and the responses being implemented. The report highlights that serious drug-related offending is addressed through coordinated policing efforts and that the Northamptonshire Serious Violence Prevention Partnership (NSVPP) is focused on understanding the causes and impacts of serious violence. The partnership employs a public health approach, informed by a Joint Strategic Needs Assessment, to tackle issues such as drug possession and trafficking among young people, as well as knife crime. The analysis indicates a correlation between deprivation, mental health issues, gang involvement, and drug use with these types of crime, particularly affecting young males. The report also details specific interventions such as sports mentoring and a co-produced knife crime awareness campaign.

Police, Fire and Crime Panel Work Programme and Operating Arrangements

The Panel will consider its work programme for the 2026/27 municipal year. This programme will outline the statutory and discretionary scrutiny activities planned, as well as matters relating to the Panel's operation. The Panel is also invited to decide whether to continue its membership in the East Midlands Police and Crime Panels Network and the National Association of Police, Fire and Crime Panels. An update on responses to previous Panel resolutions will also be provided.

Appointments to the Complaints Sub Committee

The Panel is scheduled to appoint members to serve on its Complaints Sub Committee for the 2026/27 year. This committee is responsible for considering non-criminal complaints against the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner and Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, operating under an agreed Informal Resolution Protocol. The proposed composition aims to ensure the committee has the necessary capacity to fulfil its statutory duties.