The Public Health and Community Safety Cabinet Panel met on Thursday 23 April 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, including an update on policing and crime, the adoption of a new strategy to combat violence against women and girls, and progress reports from Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. Key decisions included the approval of a £15 increase to the police precept and the noting of the new Hertfordshire VAWG Strategy 2026-2029.

Police and Crime Update

Councillor Matt Fisher, the Council's representative on the Police and Crime Panel, presented an update on policing matters. The panel approved a £15 increase to the police precept for 2026/27, raising the annual charge for a Band D property to £280. This decision, the maximum allowed without a referendum, is intended to address rising costs related to pay, inflation, and reduced reserves, which are not fully offset by government funding. The increase is projected to raise £8.3 million towards a £292 million policing budget, while also requiring the delivery of nearly £7 million in savings. Public consultation showed strong support for the increase, with 68% in favour, and residents prioritised more visible neighbourhood policing, stronger road safety enforcement, and tackling burglary and anti-social behaviour.

Discussions also touched upon the modernisation of policing, including a £1 million investment in AI and data systems, with an emphasis on human oversight. The panel raised concerns about the use of Palantir and the potential for UK homegrown alternatives. The electrification of the police fleet, including the use of e-bikes, was also discussed, with challenges identified regarding charging infrastructure. The expansion of middle management was questioned, with the rationale being to strengthen operational resilience and provide mentorship to a younger police force. The panel was reassured that efforts are being made to increase visible neighbourhood policing by reducing administrative burdens on officers.

Councillor Kelly echoed concerns about the ethical use of AI, stressing the importance of human oversight. The discussion linked to the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy, with questions raised about professional development within the police force following disturbing figures regarding some officers' involvement in crimes. The use of AI in cross-force collaboration, such as identifying patterns in domestic abuse cases, was highlighted as a benefit.

Hertfordshire's Multi-Agency Strategy for Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)

The panel discussed and noted Hertfordshire's new multi-agency VAWG Strategy for 2026-2029. This strategy, developed by the Hertfordshire VAWG Partnership, expands beyond domestic abuse to encompass a wider spectrum of harm, including sexual abuse, stalking, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, and honour-based abuse. The strategy adopts a whole-system approach focused on early identification, risk management, safety planning, and long-term recovery, with four key priorities: acting before harm occurs, identifying and stopping those causing harm, increasing safety for victims and survivors, and providing support after harm has occurred.

A significant aspect of the strategy's development was the extensive engagement with survivors of VAWG, with over 3,000 Hertfordshire residents consulted. The strategy also acknowledges the intersectional nature of VAWG, recognising how factors such as race, class, gender, sexuality, and disability can create additional barriers to support. The panel discussed how members could support the delivery of this strategy, with a focus on member involvement and feedback mechanisms.

Key initiatives include the launch of a new advocacy service on 1 May, which will support all victims of VAWG regardless of risk level. The strategy also aims to develop a network of male role models in educational settings and enhance communication plans to reduce public tolerance of VAWG. The panel was assured that the strategy complements the Hertfordshire Constabulary's own VAWG strategy, with a focus on strengthening the criminal justice response.

Concerns were raised about the speed of the criminal justice system and potential dropout rates for victims waiting for cases to go to court. The strategy also addresses the economic impact of abuse, with plans for flexible funding for essential items and support for children facing upheaval when moving into safe accommodation. The new advocacy service, launching on 1 July, will be a central point for victims to access holistic support. The strategy explicitly states that the new advocacy service will support all victims, regardless of gender, and will include targeted communications for male victims, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those in the traveller community.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service CRMP Delivery Plan Update

Mark Barber, Deputy Chief Fire Officer, and David Daw, Head of Service Improvement, presented an update on Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service's (HFRS) performance against the 2025/26 Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) and outlined priorities for 2026/27. Overall delivery for the year has been strong, with significant improvements in operational equipment, digital systems, workforce development, and governance. Key achievements include investment in frontline capabilities, such as new fire appliances and breathing apparatus sets, and progress in people and culture initiatives, including the introduction of a Staff Shadow Board and mental health and wellbeing initiatives.

Looking ahead to 2026/27, the delivery plan focuses on responding to inspectorate actions, prevention improvement, organisational learning, and enhanced performance insight. Continued investment in people, modernisation of digital systems, and capital priorities for station works and fleet renewal are planned. However, areas of concern were highlighted, particularly regarding station refurbishments and estate compliance, due to funding constraints and Equality Act considerations. Despite these challenges, significant capital investment has been guaranteed for the next two financial years.

The panel raised concerns about delays in the Longfield site development and station refurbishments, noting that these issues have been on the agenda for a considerable time. Assurance was given that significant capital investment has been secured for the coming years, allowing works to begin on station refurbishments, with five stations already committed for uplift this financial year. The Hertford fire station upgrade was discussed, with feasibility studies for demolition and rebuilding on the same site, with an expected completion date of late 2029. The potential impact of Local Government Reform (LGR) on these plans was discussed, with assurances that a five-year strategy is in place to maintain momentum.

HMICFRS Inspection Report and Action Plan

Mark Barber and David Daw also provided an update on HFRS's progress in responding to the His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabularies and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) inspection report published in February 2025, which included an accelerated cause of concern. The service has made considerable progress against its action plan, with enhanced scrutiny through a strategic oversight group. A rigorous three lines of assurance approach is being implemented to ensure improvements are evaluated, embedded, systemic, and sustainable.

The inspection identified 19 recommendations for improvement. The service is confident that the majority of actions will be substantially implemented before the next anticipated inspection in autumn 2026. Significant progress has been made on the accelerated cause of concern, with one recommendation closed and the remaining four internally closed pending external confirmation. A second revisit in March 2026 acknowledged further progress. Key areas of progress include strengthened prevention arrangements, improvements in protection, operational enhancements, and progress in workforce planning and organisational culture. Estates and inclusive facilities remain the most challenging area due to capital funding requirements, although improvement planning is in place and significant funding has been secured.

The panel discussed the findings, including the need for staff productivity and effective time management, and the service's culture and understanding of values. The HMICFRS model of inspection was explained, with Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service receiving 'Adequate' or 'Good' ratings in most areas, with 'Requires Improvement' in 'Preventing fire and risk', 'Understanding fire and risk', and 'Best use of resources'. The service is aiming for 'Outstanding' where possible.

The meeting concluded with the panel noting the contents of the reports and the assurance they provide. The next meeting is scheduled for 4 June 2026.