The North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel discussed several key issues, including the performance of the Force Control Room, the enhancement of neighbourhood and response policing, and the approval of the Council Tax precept proposals for both policing and fire and rescue services for the year 2024/25. The Panel unanimously supported the proposed increases in the precepts.

Force Control Room Performance

The Panel reviewed a report from Zoë Metcalfe, the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire, on the performance of the Force Control Room (FCR). The report highlighted significant improvements, including a reduction in the abandonment rate of 101 calls by 30% to 12% in January 2024, and a decrease in the average 999 call answer time from 19 seconds in October 2022 to 6 seconds in December 2023. The Commissioner noted that further investment would introduce a triage/switchboard system to handle calls not appropriate for North Yorkshire Police, ensuring minimal impact on response times. Members commended these improvements and requested that abandonment rates be included in future reports.

Enhancing Neighbourhood and Response Policing

The Panel considered a report on the review of the Response and Neighbourhood Policing functions at North Yorkshire Police. Process Evolution was engaged to develop demand modelling to improve response times and manage demand more effectively. Adjustments to current processes and staff distribution have been made to enhance dispatch times and reduce variability in incident response performance. High-harm wards have been identified for targeted activity and problem-solving. The Commissioner emphasised the importance of the incoming Chief Constable shaping and improving the service in line with the Mayor’s Police and Crime Plan.

Policing Precept Proposal 2024/25

The Commissioner presented a proposal to set the police element of the Council Tax precept for 2024/25 at £306.86, representing an increase of £11.77 (or 3.99%) over the 2023/24 level for a Band D property. The Commissioner chose not to increase the precept by the maximum permissible amount, aiming to ask residents to fund only what is necessary. The funds will be invested in priority areas such as the Force Control Room, frontline policing, and tackling high-harm areas, including specialist safeguarding teams and the Digital Forensics Unit. The Panel unanimously supported the proposal.

Fire and Rescue Service Precept Proposal

The Commissioner also presented a proposal to set the fire and rescue element of the Council Tax precept at £83.02 for 2024/25, representing a 2.99% increase (or £2.41) over the 2023/24 level for a Band D property. Despite efforts, fire and rescue authorities have not been granted the same precept flexibility as Shire District Councils. The financial position for the fire and rescue service has been slightly improved by a 4% funding guarantee from the government. The Panel noted the tight financial position and committed to writing to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to seek greater precept flexibility in the future. The proposal was approved with eleven votes in favour and one against.

Public Questions and Statements

Councillor John McCartney raised concerns about cross-border crime affecting rural communities near the borders of East Riding of Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, and West Yorkshire. He highlighted issues with 999 calls being routed to the wrong police force. Acting Chief Constable Elliot Foskett explained that the 999 system is managed by BT and local phone providers, which may direct calls to the nearest mast, sometimes resulting in calls being initially taken by a neighbouring force. He reassured that there would be minimal delay in dealing with such calls and offered to look into the matter further.

Gwen Swinburn raised concerns about the perceived imbalance in representation between York and North Yorkshire on the Panel and suggested changes to meeting locations and the Panel's name. Diane Parsons responded, explaining the legislative basis for the Panel and the rationale behind the current representation and meeting arrangements.

Work Programme

The Panel agreed on an outline work programme for 2024/25, including a more comprehensive review of fire and rescue appliance availability, response times, and cover moves. The Panel acknowledged the need for further work to clarify requirements and ensure the accessibility and effectiveness of meeting venues.

For more details, you can refer to the PFC Panel Draft Minutes 2024-02-05 and the Agenda frontsheet 12th-Jun-2024 10.30 North Yorkshire Police Fire and Crime Panel.