Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies were noted from Mags Godderidge and Councillor Emilie Knight.  It was noted that Councillor Andrew Waller was substituting for Councillor Knight.

All Members are invited to declare at this point any interests they have in items appearing on this agenda, including the nature of those interests.

There were no declarations to note.

Considered

The draft minutes of the Panel meeting held on 5 February 2026.

The Deputy Mayor requested that an amendment be made to the draft minutes under section 138/Members’ Questions, to the effect that it would be highly concerning if public servants felt they could not raise a safeguarding concern due to fear of criticism.

It was also highlighted by a Member that in section 136 of the draft minutes (Public Questions), the public questioner who had requested a response had still not received this directly from the Police, Fire and Crime Directorate.  The Deputy Mayor agreed to follow this up and ensure that the response geos directly, albeit it had been included within the Panel papers.

Resolved

That the minutes of the meeting held on 5 February 2026 be confirmed and signed by the Chair as a correct record, once the agreement amendment has been effected.

Update report from the Panel Secretariat.

Considered

The report of the Panel Secretariat providing an update on progress made in relation to issues previously raised by the Panel.

The Panel noted that significant progress has been made on outstanding issues, as reflected in the report, with only four matters outstanding.  In relation to rural and wildlife crime (Item 1), the Deputy Mayor advised that formal representations had been made to the Crown Prosecution Service requesting a written response, in line with the Panel’s earlier request.  Once received, this response would be shared with the Panel.

The Panel were also advised that the related issues concerning protecting vulnerable people (Items 5 and 6) would continue to be progressed through the Local Criminal Justice Partnership Board.

In respect of road safety (Item 14), the Deputy Mayor noted that some clarification was provided in the appendix, but confirmed she would be happy to provide additional detail should Members wish to explore this further.

A Member raised concerns about the transparency of speed monitoring activity, noting that members of the public often observe enforcement vans or fixed equipment but may not understand how different data sources are used within the wider road safety programme. It was suggested that a clearer breakdown of the different methods of speed measurement, how data is captured, and how it informs decision-making would be helpful for public understanding.  The Deputy Mayor agreed to take this request forward and to feed the Panel’s suggestions into the Road Safety Partnership.

Members welcomed recent successful wildlife crime prosecutions and the positive publicity arising from them. It was noted that the Panel would receive a further update later in the year on rural and wildlife crime.

Resolved

That the Panel:

a)     notes the progress updates provided;

b)     agrees that items marked as completed may be closed, subject to the outstanding clarification being followed up in relation to item 12;

c)     receives, in due course, the CPS response on rural and wildlife crime;

d)     receives further information on the breakdown and use of speed monitoring data through the Road Safety Partnership; and

e)     receives further updates on the remaining issues recorded as in progress.

·    Any member of the public, who lives, works or studies in North Yorkshire and York can ask a question to the Panel.  The question or statement must be put in writing to the Panel no later than midday on Monday, 20 April 2026 to Diane Parsons (nypfcp@northyorks.gov.uk). 

·    The time period for asking and responding to all questions will be limited to 30 minutes. No one question or statement shall exceed 3 minutes.

·    The full protocol for public questions or statements can be found at www.nypartnerships.org.uk/pfcp.

The Panel were advised that no public questions or statements had been received.

The Deputy Mayor was invited to provide an update on the Bellwin funding claim arising from the Langdale Moor fire in 2025.  The Deputy Mayor confirmed that the claim submitted had been confirmed in full by government, with funding to be returned to North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (NYFRS), minus any excess payment required to make the claim.

Members referred to the recently-published HMICFRS police inspection report, welcoming the overall improvement in performance and the increase in areas graded as “good”.  The Deputy Mayor echoed this positive assessment and emphasised the substantial work undertaken by officers and staff.  In responding to the specific areas for improvement identified in the inspection, including custody arrangements, management of vulnerable detainees (particularly children) and public contact, the Deputy Mayor highlighted the work underway to address issues, including appropriate adult arrangements for children and vulnerable adults.  The Deputy Mayor also sought to assure Members that call handling performance and wider public contact are a key priority for herself and the Mayor and are subject to regular scrutiny through published police performance data and online public meetings.

The Panel further asked the Deputy Mayor about learning obtained by the police service from the recent report of the Southport inquiry. The Deputy Mayor stressed the need for continuous improvement in safeguarding, risk management and partnership working. She highlighted that partnership working is a core priority within the Police and Crime Plan and outlined work being undertaken with community safety partnerships and safeguarding boards to ensure learning is shared and embedded locally. 

Members raised additional points concerning public confidence, including call abandonment rates on 101 and neighbourhood policing visibility. The Deputy Mayor advised that although call volumes had increased significantly year on year, average waiting times had reduced and performance had improved over recent months, while recognising that exceptions can still occur.  This remains under regular review.  In relation to neighbourhood policing, updated figures were provided on officer and PCSO numbers (125 officers and 111 PCSOs), alongside anecdotal feedback from communities indicating improved visibility and engagement.  The Chair noted that a report is due to the Panel in October on officer numbers and whether efficiencies have had to be made.

Questions were also raised about police force mergers and the government‑led review of police force structures. The Deputy Mayor informed the Panel that she had met with Lord Hogan‑Howe as part of this review and confirmed that both she and the Mayor saw no public interest benefit in any merger involving North Yorkshire Police, citing potential risks to rural policing capability and service improvement momentum. She emphasised that public trust and confidence would be best served by maintaining existing force boundaries while maximising opportunities through the Combined Authority.

Finally, a Member highlighted the role of CCTV in crime reduction and queried the scope for financial support from Mayoral funding.  The Deputy Mayor recognised the value of CCTV as part of wider community safety arrangements but noted that responsibility for provision currently sits with local authorities.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 148.

Report from the Deputy Mayor regarding the development of preventative data-driven approaches by North Yorkshire Police to identify high-risk areas and individuals, to target prevention/early intervention.

Considered

The report of the Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime on how data‑driven approaches are being used by North Yorkshire Police to support prevention and early intervention, as part of the Panel’s thematic focus on targeted prevention.

Members’ attention was drawn to Operation Divan, where independent evaluation showed that participating young people were significantly less likely to become involved in knife‑related crime.  Operation Vigilant was referenced as supporting the priority to address violence against women and girls, particularly within the night‑time economy. Members queried the Home Office’s funding announcement for the programme and asked what funding North Yorkshire would receive.  The Deputy Mayor agreed to clarify the position and report back in writing.

Members discussed the use of data to target persistent and repeat offenders. The Deputy Mayor acknowledged that a small number of individuals can account for a disproportionate level of crime and emphasised the value of a public health approach.  The Panel heard that closer alignment between police, health and other partner data could improve early identification of need and reduce repeat demand on both policing and health services.  

Further discussion focused on how the effectiveness of interventions is monitored over time. The Deputy Mayor highlighted the role of the Liaison and Diversion Service in custody, including follow‑up work to reduce reoffending among vulnerable individuals. Members requested further clarity on monitoring points and outcome tracking, acknowledging challenges in aligning data across partners with different systems.

The Panel considered place‑based approaches such as Clear, Hold, Build in Clifton and Barrowcliff. While crime reduction outcomes were welcomed, concerns were raised about sustaining improvements through the “build” phase, particularly in areas with lower trust in policing.  The Deputy Mayor emphasised the role of neighbourhood policing and longer‑term partnership engagement.  It was agreed that the Panel will be provided with further information on analytical tools used for commissioning purposes and how intelligence such as CrimeStoppers data is reflected.

Members also welcomed the impact of knife amnesty bins and received assurance that this approach is ongoing.

Resolved

That the Panel:

a)     notes the report provided;

b)     receives written clarification on the North Yorkshire share of Operation Vigilant funding;

c)     receives data to better understand the scale of repeat offending and the approaches being taken by the police;

d)     receives data on crime reduction statistics in Clifton, to include the proportion of data from Crimestoppers;

e)     receives further information on analytical tools and data use supporting place‑based prevention activity; and

f)      receives, where available, further information on the proportion of knives in knife drop bins which would be classed as illegal weapons.

Report from the Deputy Mayor regarding how the fire and rescue service is using data-driven approaches and how it is ensuring it can best meet emerging environmental and technological changes.

Considered

The report of the Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime outlining how North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is using data‑driven approaches to respond to emerging environmental and technological risks, with a particular focus on prevention.

In introducing the item, the Deputy Mayor highlighted the increasing importance of prevention in the context of climate‑related risks, particularly wildfires.  She noted that the region was already in wildfire season and emphasised the need to reduce the likelihood of repeat incidents, particularly given the scale of the recent moorland fire and the reliance on Bellwin funding.  Members were advised that these risks are closely monitored through regular performance and public scrutiny processes.

Members raised concerns regarding fires linked to lithium‑ion batteries, particularly those associated with e‑bikes, e‑scooters and imported chargers.  The Deputy Mayor acknowledged that while the number of residential fires in North Yorkshire remains low, any emerging trend is a concern.  She highlighted national fire safety campaigns being amplified locally and emphasised the importance of public education, safe charging practices and appropriate storage.  The role of planning and housing design was also noted, particularly the risk posed by storing batteries and vehicles in internal hallways where escape routes may be compromised.

Discussion focused on prevention and vulnerability, including the growing volume of referrals for fire risk assessments from local authorities, housing providers and partners.  The Deputy Mayor confirmed that referrals had increased significantly over the last year, demonstrating improved partnership working.

Members also raised battery and vape disposal, particularly the risk of fires in refuse vehicles, and the Deputy Mayor agreed that further public awareness activity may be beneficial.

Members sought assurance in relation to fire safety compliance and unsafe cladding use in high‑rise and medium‑rise buildings.  The Deputy Mayor confirmed that North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is well advanced in its inspections due to the relatively low number of such buildings in the region and confirmed that work remains on track. It was agreed that further detail would be shared with Members for reassurance.

The Panel discussed the importance of deepening data-sharing with partners, particularly housing, social care and health, to better identify vulnerable individuals. The Deputy Mayor acknowledged that while strong referral pathways exist with local authorities and housing providers, engagement with health partners remains an area for further development.  Panel heard that demographic and geographic risk factors are incorporated into the Community Risk Profile and that safeguarding referrals, particularly for adults, have increased substantially.

Further to a query from a Member, the Deputy Mayor emphasised that the Community Risk Profile is reviewed regularly to remain responsive to evolving risks and invited Members to raise emerging concerns directly outside of formal meetings if required.

Resolved

That the Panel:

a)     notes the report provided;

b)     receives further information on the scale of the problem surrounding lithium batteries, on the awareness-raising that is taking place on this issue and the issue of vape/battery disposal;

c)     receives clarification from the Deputy Mayor on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 150.

Draft report from the Panel Secretariat, for approval of the Panel.

Considered

The Panel’s draft Annual Report 2025/26.

The Chair thanked the Panel’s supporting officer for preparing the draft report and invited Panel members to comment on the report, which will be taken to meetings of full Council at both constituent authorities in July this year.  It was noted that some of the budgetary information at the end of the report is yet to be updated but a revised version incorporating this data will be circulated on email to the Panel.

The Deputy Mayor highlighted a point of accuracy in relation to reference in the draft report to fixed or average speed cameras in the force area and that there are currently none.  It was agreed the draft will be modified to reflect this.

Resolved

That the Panel approves its Annual Report 2025/26, with amendments being circulated on email to the Panel before the report is taken to full Council meetings.

Report by the Panel Secretariat.

Considered

The Panel’s outline programme of work for 2026/27.

It was noted that a few subject areas had been highlighted during the course of the meeting for future scheduling, including performance of the 101 service, rural and wildlife crime and follow-up around lithium batteries/fire risk.  Members also requested a report on facial recognition and the use of AI within policing to a future meeting.

In relation to the planned item on workforce for October, the Deputy Mayor was asked to consider couching some of this report within the skills and employability agenda which the Combined Authority has.

Resolved

That the Panel agrees its programme of work, including additional suggestions for incorporation in the next year.

Any other items which the Chair agrees should be considered as a matter of urgency because of special circumstances.

No urgent business had been notified to the Chair.

Thursday, 16 July 2026 at 2pm – County Hall, Northallerton.

Thursday, 16 July 2026 at 2pm at County Hall, Northallerton.