The Dyfed Powys Police and Crime Panel met on Tuesday 10 February 2026 to discuss a range of policing matters. Key decisions included endorsing a 7.47% increase in the Dyfed-Powys Police precept for 2026/2027 and noting the verbal update on the reform of police governance. The Panel also reviewed progress reports on the Police and Crime Plan Priority 2, decisions made by the Police and Crime Commissioner, the Policing Protocol performance, and the OPCC Business Plan.

Questions on Notice to the Commissioner

Councillor Keith Evans asked the Police and Crime Commissioner, Dafydd Llywelyn, about the Dyfed-Powys Police's capacity to provide timely evidence for cases that may no longer be heard by juries, as proposed by the government. Commissioner Llywelyn responded that this was an early discussion point from the Ministry of Justice and that the Force adheres to strict deadlines under the Transforming Summary Justice initiative. He highlighted investment in the Criminal Justice department and the File Bill Project, which aims to improve the quality and timeliness of court files.

Progress Report on Police and Crime Plan Priority 2

The Panel received a progress report on Priority 2 of the Police and Crime Plan, Supporting Safe Communities by Preventing Harm. The Commissioner noted significant progress, citing improvements in crime volumes, outcomes, and data integrity, as well as diversion and treatment activities. The Panel expressed approval of the transparency and effectiveness of the scrutiny within the Strategic Performance Board.

Decisions Made by the Police and Crime Commissioner

The Panel reviewed decisions made by Commissioner Llywelyn between August 2025 and January 2026. Concerns were raised about the potential impact of the proposed disbandment of the Police and Crime Commissioner role on Tier 2 substance misuse service funding, with the Commissioner noting that the impact remains unclear due to a lack of detail in the government's white paper. The Commissioner also assured the Panel that work was underway to ensure continuity of provision for initiatives like the Reflective Stickers for Agricultural Vehicles.

Policing Protocol Performance Report

A performance report for Quarter 3 of the 2025/2026 financial year was presented, indicating that four actions had moved from Green to Amber status, and one from Amber to Green. No actions were rated as Red. The Panel noted that the shift to Amber for some critical governance functions was primarily an issue of timing, related to the annual cycle of activities.

OPCC Business Plan Progress Report

The Panel received the progress report for the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner's (OPCC) Business Plan for Quarter 4 of the 2025/2026 financial year. It was noted that proposed reforms to Police Governance are expected to impact the OPCC's activities in the upcoming year, and that the OPCC is actively assessing these implications.

Police Governance Reform

The Commissioner provided a briefing on the UK Government's Police Governance reform white paper, published on 26 January 2026. While welcoming the focus on visible, preventative policing, the Commissioner highlighted a lack of detail on key aspects, particularly concerning the governance of Chief Constable accountability and the operational implications of reducing the number of police forces in Wales. The Commissioner assured the Panel that representations would be made to the UK Government to ensure the Welsh context is considered.

Confirmation Hearing for the Appointment of a Chief Finance Officer

The Panel conducted a confirmation hearing for the proposed appointment of Mrs Nicola Davies as the Police and Crime Commissioner's Chief Finance Officer. Following a review of her qualifications, experience, and responses to questions on strategic change, workforce leadership, and performance management, the Panel was assured of her suitability for the role. The Panel unanimously resolved to recommend her appointment.

Other Business

The Panel also received and noted reports on the Progress Report on Police and Crime Plan Priority 3, the Policing Protocol Performance Report for Quarter 4, proposed changes to the OPCC Business Plan, the Performance Sub-Group Report, and the Police and Crime Panel Annual Report. They also signed the minutes from the previous meeting held on 23 January 2026.