The Public Health and Community Safety Cabinet Panel meeting on 02 February 2026 focused on the county's budget for the upcoming year and the medium-term financial strategy, alongside an update from the Chief Constable of Hertfordshire. Key decisions included the endorsement of the budget proposals for public health and community safety, and a discussion on the role of Trading Standards in disrupting illegal and illicit goods.

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 addressed, with a much higher proportion of crimes now being recorded accurately. Control room performance has improved, with over 90% of calls answered within 10 seconds. The Chief Constable also detailed efforts in solving more crimes, arresting more criminals, and supporting vulnerable victims, including a substantial increase in Clare's Law disclosures.

Discussions also touched upon the reorganisation of police districts, with the previous 10 geographical districts being consolidated into six units of command to improve efficiency and a more cohesive approach to fighting crime. Concerns were raised by councillors regarding the potential impact of national policing reforms and the importance of maintaining local accountability and neighbourhood policing. Road safety was also highlighted as a priority, with the Chief Constable confirming a dedicated roads policing unit and ongoing efforts to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on the county's roads.

Budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy

The panel reviewed the proposed budget for 2026/27 and the medium-term financial strategy for public health and community safety. Executive Member for Public Health and Community Safety, Ajanta Hilton, presented the budget, acknowledging the significant financial pressures faced by the council, including a £42 million annual reduction in government funding. Despite these challenges, the council is committed to protecting frontline services and investing in key priorities.

Key investments within the Public Health and Community Safety portfolio include:

• Adult Care Services: An additional £47 million in frontline delivery, focusing on high-quality residential and home care, support for older people and those with disabilities, and innovation in preventative services.
• Children's Services: An extra £32 million to improve outcomes for children and young people, with specific investments in SEND support, safe school transport, and stable homes for children in care.
• Community Protection: £2.8 million allocated to a new advocacy service for victims of domestic abuse and violence against women and girls, and continued investment in the Public Health Nursing service and the Public Health Prevention Investment Programme.
• Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue Service (HFRS): £300,000 to increase personnel numbers to meet HMICFRS expectations, and additional funding for prevention activities. Significant capital investment is also planned for the Longfield training facility (£16.9 million) and fire station improvements (£8.2 million).

The budget also outlines savings targets, with a total of £55 million to be delivered in 2026/27, rising to £117 million by 2029/30. These savings are to be achieved through efficiencies, service transformation, and income generation, with service reductions being a last resort. The panel noted and commented on the report, ultimately endorsing the proposals relating to the budget and medium-term financial strategy for public health and community safety.

Trading Standards' Role in Disrupting Illegal and Illicit Goods

The panel considered a motion from Councillor Curtis regarding the role of Trading Standards in disrupting illegal and illicit goods. Head of Regulatory Services, Russell Reeder, presented the report, highlighting the significant increase in offending, particularly concerning illicit tobacco and vapes. He detailed the ongoing work of Hertfordshire Trading Standards, including enforcement, collaboration with partners, and intelligence sharing.

The report acknowledged that while Hertfordshire Trading Standards is a high performer in its region, the service faces challenges due to the sophisticated nature of organised crime and a lack of appropriate legislative tools. The council is working closely with partners, including Hertfordshire Constabulary, HMRC, and district councils, to tackle these issues. The report also noted ongoing national discussions regarding a renewed government strategy and potential funding opportunities to combat illicit trade. The panel was asked to consider the response to the motion, which included reaffirming the council's commitment to eradicating criminal fronts from high streets and requesting increased investigative capacity for Trading Standards.

Other Matters

The panel also received updates on various other initiatives:

• Prevention Investment Programme: A £900,000 grant to 'School Food Matters' for the 'Nourish Hertfordshire' project, aimed at transforming food environments in schools to reduce health inequalities.
• Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue Service CRMP Delivery Plan: Progress on the Community Risk Management Plan was reported, with a focus on improving fire stations, mental health support for staff, and recruitment diversity.
• HMICFRS Inspection Report and Action Plan: An update on progress made in addressing recommendations from the HMICFRS inspection of Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue Service was provided.
• Fire Protection Update: Information on the work of the Business Fire Safety Team was presented, including their role in inspecting high-risk properties and working with local authorities on Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).
• Sexual and Reproductive Health Update: An overview of sexual and reproductive health services in Hertfordshire was given, including key developments, performance highlights, and challenges affecting service delivery. The 'Better Health Bus' is to increase its frequency of operation.
• Local Resilience Forum: Discussions touched upon the funding of the Local Resilience Forum, with a proposal to invite partners to contribute towards its costs. The panel expressed a desire for more information on the forum's work and its preparedness for major incidents.

The meeting concluded with the panel noting the various reports and endorsing the budget proposals. The date of the next meeting was set for 23 April 2026.