Agenda item

The Panel considered a report of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) which provided an update in relation to the delivery of the 2025-29 Police and Crime Plan as at the end of Quarter 2 2025/26 (July - September 2025). A copy of the report marked ‘Agenda Item 7’, is filed with these minutes.

Arising from discussion, the following points were raised:

(i)         The Chairman commented that data relating to two metrics in the table in the appendix had been redacted – ‘Staff satisfaction for Force’ and ‘Abstractions from Neighbourhood Policing’. The data had also been redacted when presented to the Panel at the meeting on 27 October. The PCC stated that during a recent Corporate Governance Board meeting, he requested that the Temporary Chief Constable consider releasing the two currently redacted figures for public transparency. It was noted that the Temporary Chief Constable had provided assurances that work was being undertaken to address issues with staff satisfaction. It was also noted that the metric numbered 25 had been reviewed and would instead measure ‘the proportion of available hours extracted from the frontline’. This change was made because there were questions about what the original data actually represented. The updated metric better reflected the data the police force used internally and would provide clearer, more appropriate information for the public.

(ii)        A point was made regarding historical issues where recorded crime appeared to have significantly reduced but was later found to be the result of crimes not having been recorded, rather than an actual reduction in crime. The PCC stated that the performance framework combined independently assured crime‑recording data with internal operational metrics. Crime statistics continued to be validated through His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) Crime Data Integrity inspections, which consistently showed high recording accuracy.

(iii)       The Chairman commented that it would be valuable for the Panel to be presented with information regarding the abandonment rate relating to the Force’s crime reporting page, noting that the Panel had previously received data relating to the abandonment rate relating to both 101 and 999 calls.

(iv)      It was noted that the Violence Reduction Network (VRN) had appointed a new Prevention and Diversion Manager with a focus on engagement with the education sector. It was confirmed that the change in job title would not reduce the organisation’s work with children or families. The VRN continued to deliver a range of youth and family‑focused projects, supported by the wider team. Oversight of the VRN delivery plan remained with the Strategic Partnership Board.

(v)        With regards to independent scrutiny arrangements, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner had recently conducted a review of its scrutiny functions. This included the Ethics and Transparency Panel, the Joint Audit and Risk Panel, and associated sub‑groups. The review involved engagement with partner organisations and current panel members. The PCC stated that the findings had reflected positively on the existing arrangements. It was agreed that the results of this work would be made available to the Panel once it had been completed.

(vi)      A member of the Panel asked a question regarding recent national proposals relating to the criminal justice system, including suggested restrictions on the use of jury trials in some cases. The PCC emphasised strong concern regarding the potential impact on long‑established rights relating to jury trials and on public confidence in the justice process, and the Panel were in agreement. The PCC assured the Panel that he had written formally to the Government to express opposition to the proposals.

(vii)     It was noted that high levels of pressure within the prison system were expected to continue. Work was being undertaken through the Local Criminal Justice Board in order to ensure that the police and partner agencies were prepared to manage any implications, including the potential early release of offenders. A joint partnership strategy was expected to be finalised early in 2026.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the update in relation to the delivery of the 2025-29 Police and Crime Plan as at the end of Quarter 2 2025/26 (July - September 2025), be noted.

(b)       That the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner be requested to provide the Panel with the results of the review of its scrutiny functions once it had been completed.