The Public Health and Community Safety Cabinet Panel met on Monday 2 February 2026 to discuss the county's budget for the upcoming year, receive an update from the Chief Constable, and address the issue of illegal and illicit goods being sold in town centres. The panel reviewed the proposed budget for 2026/27, which aims to balance vital service delivery with significant financial pressures, and heard from Chief Constable Andy Prophet about improvements in policing across Hertfordshire. A key discussion also focused on the role of Trading Standards in disrupting illegal and illicit goods.

Chief Constable's Update

Chief Constable Andy Prophet provided an update on the work of Hertfordshire Constabulary, highlighting significant improvements made over the past year. He noted that the force had addressed an inadequate rating for crime recording, with recording accuracy now much improved. Control room performance has also seen enhancements, with a higher percentage of calls answered within target times. The Chief Constable reported an increase in solved crimes, with nearly 1,500 more crimes solved in 2025 compared to the previous year, and a focus on tackling county lines gangs, with 51 dismantled in the last 12 months. He also detailed efforts to combat serious violence in identified hotspots and the increased use of Clare's Law disclosures to protect victims of domestic abuse.

During the discussion, councillors raised questions about the reorganisation of police districts from ten to six units, which the Chief Constable explained was to improve efficiency and adopt a more Hertfordshire-wide approach to crime fighting. Concerns were also raised about road safety policing, with the Chief Constable confirming a collaborative unit across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire dedicated to roads policing, and acknowledging the significant number of lives lost on the roads annually. The panel also discussed the challenges of cybercrime and the importance of local accountability in policing, particularly in light of upcoming national police reforms.

Budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy

The panel reviewed the proposed budget for 2026/27 and the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), which outlines a £1.2 billion budget for the county. Executive Member for Public Health and Community Safety, Councillor Ajanta Hilton, acknowledged the challenging financial climate, including a £42 million annual reduction in government funding. Despite these pressures, the budget aims to protect frontline services, with significant investment in adult social care and children's services.

The report detailed a £1.3 billion capital investment programme over four years, including expanding SEND school places and improving roads and transport. For the Public Health and Community Safety portfolio, the budget includes £2.8 million for a new advocacy service for victims of domestic abuse and violence against women and girls, and investment in the Public Health Prevention Investment Programme focusing on ageing well, healthy food in schools, and supporting people back to work. Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue Service (HFRS) will receive additional funding for establishment levels and prevention activities, alongside capital investment for a new training facility at Longfield and improvements to fire stations.

Concerns were raised by councillors regarding the impact of the Fair Funding Review, which has disproportionately affected Hertfordshire, and the proposed 1.7% increase in the public health grant, which is below inflation. The panel also discussed the challenges of income generation for services and the potential impact of local government reorganisation on service delivery. The panel was invited to note and comment on the contents of the report and to endorse to Cabinet the proposals relating to the Budget and the MTFS. The panel voted to note and comment on the report, and subsequently voted to endorse the proposals, with some councillors abstaining from the endorsement vote due to ongoing budget discussions.

Trading Standards' Role in Disrupting Illegal and Illicit Goods

The panel considered a motion from Councillor Curtis and Councillor Bright regarding the disruption of illegal and illicit goods, particularly counterfeit items, illicit tobacco, and illegal vapes, being sold in town centres. Russell Reeder, Head of Regulatory Services, presented the report, highlighting that Trading Standards, in partnership with Hertfordshire Constabulary and other agencies, has been actively involved in national operations such as Operation Machinize and Operation Cece, leading to arrests, seizures, and premises closures.

Mr Reeder explained that these illicit activities are a national issue, often linked to serious organised crime, and that Hertfordshire Trading Standards is a high performer in the region for seizing illegal tobacco and vapes. He emphasised the importance of partnership working and intelligence sharing, noting that Hertfordshire hosts the Eastern Region Intelligence function for illicit tobacco. The report detailed the sophisticated methods used by criminals, including engineered concealments and the use of domestic premises, which require specialised tools and techniques for enforcement.

The discussion highlighted the need for enhanced legislative tools and funding for Trading Standards to effectively tackle these issues, with a particular focus on the power to close problem premises and formally identify suspects. Councillors expressed support for lobbying efforts to secure these changes and affirmed the importance of councillors acting as the eyes and ears of their communities by feeding concerns to Trading Standards. The panel noted the report and the ongoing work being undertaken by Trading Standards and its partners.