The Public Health and Community Safety Cabinet Panel met on Monday, 2 February 2026, to discuss the county's budget for 2026/27, receive an update from the Chief Constable, and review the role of Trading Standards in disrupting illegal goods. Key decisions included the endorsement of the proposed budget and medium-term financial strategy for Public Health and Community Safety, and a commitment to further action on tackling illicit goods on high streets.

Chief Constable's Update

Chief Constable Andy Profitt provided an update on policing in Hertfordshire, highlighting significant improvements in crime recording and response times. He noted that the previous inadequate rating for crime recording had been closed as a cause for concern, with the force now recording a much higher proportion of crimes accurately. Control room performance has also improved, with over 90% of calls answered within 10 seconds. The Chief Constable detailed successes in tackling various crime types, including burglaries, drug dealing, and domestic abuse, and outlined the force's mission to prevent crime and harm, catch criminals, and support victims.

During the discussion, councillors raised questions about the reorganisation of police districts, road safety, and the impact of national policing reforms. The Chief Constable explained the logic behind reducing the number of districts from 10 to six, aiming for greater efficiency and a more unified approach to crime fighting. He acknowledged concerns about road safety, stating that a collaborative unit across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire is dedicated to policing roads, and that while progress has been made, there is still more to do. Regarding national reforms, the Chief Constable expressed scepticism about merging local policing into larger constructs, emphasizing the importance of local policing being delivered locally.

Budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy

The panel reviewed the proposed budget for 2026/27 and the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for Public Health and Community Safety. Alex, the Executive Director of Community Protection, presented the overall budget of approximately £1.2 billion, highlighting significant financial pressures due to a £42 million annual reduction in government funding. Despite these challenges, the council plans to invest in frontline services, particularly in adult social care and children's services, and to focus on efficiencies and prevention.

Sarah Perlman, Director of Public Health, detailed the public health budget, noting a tight but manageable situation. She explained that the public health grant had seen a 1.7% increase, which was lower than anticipated, necessitating careful planning to prioritise essential services. Investment has been maintained in core services such as health checks, smoking cessation, sexual health, and drug and alcohol services, as well as the new transformational public health nursing service. Funding has also been secured for the Public Health Prevention Investment Programme, focusing on healthy ageing, getting people back to work, and an advocacy service for domestic abuse and violence against women and girls.

Mark Barber, Deputy Chief Fire Officer, presented a positive outlook for the fire service budget, noting that longstanding pressures had been addressed. He highlighted additional funding for recruitment to meet inspectorate report recommendations and for prevention activities. Significant capital investment is planned for the Longfield site and fire station developments, including measures to address the risk of contaminants.

The panel discussed the challenges faced by regulatory and resilience teams, including the impact of fraud and cybercrime on Trading Standards, and the demands on the business fire safety team. The budget also includes a small investment to support the work of the Prevent programme, which has seen a significant increase in referrals.

The panel debated the fair funding review, with concerns raised that Hertfordshire had not received a fair uplift compared to other areas, particularly regarding the drugs and alcohol elements of the public health grant. The complexities of the grant structure and methodology changes were explained, with the conclusion that Hertfordshire had lost out due to its urban settlement patterns and deprivation levels.

The panel voted to note and comment on the report and to endorse the proposals relating to the budget and MTFS for Public Health and Community Safety to the Cabinet.

Trading Standards' Role in Disrupting Illegal and Illicit Goods

Russell Reeder, Head of Regulatory Services, presented a report responding to a motion concerning Trading Standards' role in disrupting illegal and illicit goods. He highlighted the significant increase in offending, particularly concerning illicit tobacco and vapes, and acknowledged that this is a national problem requiring a coordinated response. Mr. Reeder detailed the work undertaken by Hertfordshire Trading Standards, including enforcement, collaboration with partners, and intelligence sharing. He noted the sophisticated methods used by organised groups to conceal illegal activities and the challenges faced due to a lack of specific legislative powers for Trading Standards, such as the ability to close premises or compel identification.

The report outlined the success of joint operations, such as Operation Machinize and Operation Cece, and the importance of partnership working with the police, HMRC, and district councils. The panel discussed the need for increased investigative capacity and potential legislative changes to empower Trading Standards. Councillors expressed their support for lobbying efforts to secure additional powers and funding. The panel noted the report and the additional work being undertaken by Trading Standards.

Other Matters

The panel also noted the minutes from the previous meeting on 1 December 2025. There were no public petitions or Part II business discussed. The date of the next meeting was confirmed as 23 April 2026.