The Public Health and Community Safety Cabinet Panel met on Monday 1 December 2025 to discuss a range of important issues affecting the county. Key topics included updates on policing and crime, sexual and reproductive health services, a new investment programme for public health initiatives, and progress reports from Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue Service.

Police and Crime Panel Update

Councillor Matt Fisher, the council's representative on the Police and Crime Panel (PCP), provided an update on the panel's business. The PCP has been reviewing the Police and Crime Commissioner's report, which highlighted strong progress across strategic objectives, including improvements in crime recording accuracy, a reduction in town centre crime, and an increase in solved crimes. Significant advancements have also been made in call handling for 101 and 999 services, with Hertfordshire achieving national targets for the first time. The report also detailed organisational restructures within the police force, aimed at improving leadership and problem-solving capabilities, alongside financial savings reinvested into neighbourhood policing. Operation Hotspot has shown positive results in reducing personal robbery and serious violence in key town centres. However, challenges remain, particularly concerning firearms licensing, which has a significant backlog, and the ongoing issue of fly-tipping, exacerbated by fragmented national responsibilities and gaps in local authority enforcement on private land. The panel also discussed the forthcoming Criminal Justice and Sentencing Bill, with concerns raised about its potential to increase crime rates due to a predicted rise in community-managed offenders and shorter sentences for serious offenders.

Sexual and Reproductive Health Update

Rob Bacon, the lead on sexual and reproductive health, presented an update on the services provided in Hertfordshire. The council commissions a specialist integrated sexual health service, Sexual Health Hertfordshire, which offers free testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and access to contraception. The report highlighted that while overall sexual and reproductive health in Hertfordshire is good, inequalities persist, particularly affecting young people and those in more deprived areas. The council's 5-year Sexual and Reproductive Health Delivery Plan aims to address these issues through education, prevention, and improved access to services. Demand for these services continues to increase, with a rise in patient attendances at specialist clinics and online testing services. The report noted a concerning increase in unplanned pregnancies and teenage conceptions, with over three-quarters of young people choosing abortion services. A revised Teenage Pregnancy Strategy is being developed, focusing on prevention and support for young parents. The council is also working to improve access to contraception, with 212 pharmacies now signed up to provide emergency and oral contraception. HIV diagnoses have slightly increased, and efforts are underway to address late diagnoses through enhanced GP training and opt-out HIV testing in emergency departments from January 2026. STI testing rates are generally good, but chlamydia screening rates among young females remain below the national average. Financial pressures are noted due to rising demand and operational costs, with a total budget of £9.54 million allocated for 2025/26.

Overview of the Public Health Prevention Investment Programme

David Conrad, Deputy Director of Public Health, presented the Public Health Prevention Investment Programme (PHIP), a £2.9 million initiative funded from public health grant reserves to support local projects aimed at improving health and wellbeing. The programme, developed following a recommendation from the Department of Health and Social Care, invited proposals aligned with three key themes: ageing well, healthy weight, and supporting people with ill health back to work. After a competitive application process, four projects were approved for funding over three years:

• Live Longer Better in an Age Friendly Hertfordshire: Led by Age UK Hertfordshire, this £899,336 project aims to create age-friendly environments and strengthen social connections for older adults.
• Musculoskeletal (MSK) Rehabilitation Pathway: Led by the University of Hertfordshire, this £359,999 project will develop a pathway to support adults with MSK pain to improve their health and regain employment.
• Work Well 4 Health: Led by Herts Urgent Care, this £762,254 project will provide personalised support to residents facing health-related employment barriers.
• Nourish Hertfordshire: Led by School Food Matters, this £900,000 project will focus on transforming school food provision in 40 of the most deprived schools across the county.

Delivery for these projects is scheduled to commence from 1 April 2026, following a mobilisation period.

Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue Service CRMP Delivery Plan Progress Report 2024-25

Mark Barber, Chief Fire Officer, presented the progress report on the Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue Service's (HFRS) Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) delivery plan for 2024-25. The report detailed progress against 13 programmes of work, with 44% of projects already completed or closed. A new Staff Shadow Board has been introduced to provide diverse perspectives and enrich decision-making. While significant progress has been made, the project on station refurbishments is reported as behind due to a lack of allocated capital funding, posing a risk of breaching equality legislation regarding facilities for female firefighters. Planning for the 2026-27 delivery plan is underway, with some initiatives expected to roll over.

HMICFRS Inspection Report and Action Plan

Mark Barber also provided an update on the progress made in addressing the recommendations from His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) inspection report published in February 2025. Of the 19 areas for improvement identified, 12 are either complete or on track for completion by the next inspection in Autumn 2026. The service has adopted a rigorous three-line assurance process to ensure improvements are embedded. Positive recognition was given for progress in fire control and the development of modern, inclusive facilities at Hemel Hempstead. However, areas requiring further attention include establishing a robust workforce plan, improving productivity measures, and strengthening the service's culture and values. The report highlighted that the station refurbishment programme is critical for addressing equality and dignity in workplace facilities, and without continued investment, there is a risk of an accelerated cause of concern.

Fire Protection Update

John Boulter, Head of Business, Governance and Finance, presented an update on the work of the Business Fire Safety Team. The team regulates the built environment to ensure fire safety in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. This includes a risk-based inspection regime, with high-risk buildings, including all 100 high-rise residential buildings in Hertfordshire, inspected annually. The team also responds to building control, planning, and licensing consultations, and works with Safety Advisory Groups for events. Enforcement activity has increased, with six enforcement notices issued since April 2025 and two formal criminal investigations ongoing. The report highlighted challenges in staff retention due to high demand for competent fire safety professionals in the private sector, and the complexities of funding building remediation work. The team is also working closely with district and borough councils on a project focusing on mid-rise buildings.

The panel noted the contents of all reports and the progress being made across these critical areas.