Agenda and draft minutes

To appoint a Chair from among the Appointed (local authority) Members sitting on the Panel.  Guidance note provided by the Secretariat.

Considered

The Secretariat highlighted that Councillor Peter Wilkinson, as incumbent Chair, will be standing down from the Panel following the meeting on 16 July.  It was considered that due to the short notice of the change in circumstances that Councillor Wilkinson should continue to Chair the meeting on 16 July and that the elections for a substantive Chair and Vice Chair will take place in October.

Members thanked Councillor Wilkinson for his service to the Panel over many years.

It was considered that it may be helpful for Councillor Myers to take on the Chair role on a temporary basis.  It was also identified that it would be helpful for Councillor Myers to be supported by another Member as an Interim Vice Chair in that period.  These propositions were formally proposed and seconded.  A unanimous vote in favour was taken as follows.

Resolved

a)    That the elections for Chair and Vice Chair to the Panel are deferred to 14 October 2026;

b)    That Councillor Danny Myers is Interim Chair to the Panel up to the next Panel meeting on 14 October 2026; and

c)     That Councillor Kevin Foster is Interim Vice Chair to the Panel up to the next Panel meeting on 14 October 2026.

Apologies were noted from Councillor Michael Pavlovic and Fraser Forsyth.  From the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, apologies were noted from Rachel Antonelli, Michael Porter and Amanda Wilkinson.

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.

Mags Godderidge notified that

·       she is the CEO of Survive, which is commissioned by the Deputy Mayor to deliver counselling to survivors of sexual and domestic violence

·       she is a core member of Act on IICSA

·       she also receive funds at Survive from the Mayor's Mental Health Fund specifically for male survivors of sexual violence.

Councillor Janet Jefferson noted for transparency that she Chairs an anti-theft retailer group in Scarborough which is holder of the Safer Business Award.

Resolved

That the minutes of the meeting held on 23 April 2026, having been printed and circulated, be confirmed and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

To appoint a Vice Chair to the Panel from among the Appointed (local authority) Members sitting on the Panel.  Guidance note provided by the Panel Secretariat under Item 1.

Further to Item 1 (Minute Number 155), it was noted that the election of Vice Chair will be deferred until 14 October 2026.

·    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, 13 July 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 Chair highlighted that a member of the public had contacted the Panel about submitting a question but this was unfortunately well after the notified deadline so had not been accepted.

Members raised a range of issues relating to community safety, policing and fire governance. Questions were asked regarding access to local authority CCTV footage by North Yorkshire Police, the impact of emergency accommodation and HMO developments in coastal communities, retail crime in Scarborough, workforce matters within North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, violence against women and girls governance arrangements, police vetting delays, anti-social behaviour, and unauthorised traveller encampments.

In response, the Deputy Mayor (‘DMPFC’) advised that no concerns had been raised by North Yorkshire Police regarding current arrangements for obtaining CCTV evidence and that any future issues would be pursued through community safety partnerships. 

In relation to accommodation pressures on the coast, the DMPFC recognised local concerns and emphasised the need for a multi-agency response involving housing providers, support services and community safety partners.  The DMPFC offered to convene a meeting with Councillor Jefferson, the local MP and other partners from housing and community safety to consider the issues further. 

Members were assured that retail crime remains a significant priority, with partnership activity and targeted policing contributing to an overall reduction in offences across the force area, although challenges remain in some localities.

The DMPFC also highlighted ongoing monitoring of fire and rescue workforce issues, confirmed that recruitment to key roles supporting the violence against women and girls agenda was nearing completion, and acknowledged concerns about police vetting delays, noting that these issues are being raised nationally.

On anti-social behaviour, the Deputy Mayor outlined recent reductions in reported incidents and stressed the importance of reporting concerns through established channels.

Questions relating to traveller encampments prompted discussion on the respective responsibilities of local authorities and the police, with the DMPFC emphasising the importance of partnership working to support communities and manage community safety concerns.

The DMPFC also took opportunity at this point in the meeting to convey her thanks to Councillor Wilkinson for his Chairing of the Panel and in particular for continuing to bring a scrutiny spotlight to concerns around wildlife crime in the county.

Resolved

That the Panel

a)     notes the responses provided by the Deputy Mayor to Members’ questions

b)     receives a written update on current police vetting timescales and any associated operational impacts;

c)     notes the commitment of the Deputy Mayor to liaise further outside of the Panel on a multi-partner meeting to discuss HMOs;

d)     receives a further update on police consideration of community safety matters in relation to planning applications where appropriate; and

e)     notes the commitment of the Deputy Mayor to respond regarding concerns around anti-social behaviour in Eastfield and the request for her engagement on this locally.

Report from the Deputy Mayor highlighting the monitoring of outcomes and progress by the service.

Considered

The update of the Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime on progress made following the publication of HMICFRS’s PEEL inspection of North Yorkshire Police.

The Panel welcomed the significant improvements reported and reiterated its congratulations to the Chief Constable, DMPFC and staff for the progress achieved since the previous inspection.

Particular note was made of improved performance in public contact, including reductions in average waiting times for both 101 and 999 calls, alongside wider reductions in crime and strong performance in bringing offenders to justice.  Members sought assurance regarding call abandonment rates and whether these reflected members of the public disengaging from reporting crime. The DMPFC advised that scrutiny was continuing to ensure that callers were instead accessing alternative reporting methods, including online services and queue-busting arrangements, rather than failing to report incidents.

The Panel also raised questions regarding compliance with the Victims’ Code, particularly the identification and support of victims entitled to enhanced services. The DMPFC acknowledged the importance of a trauma-informed approach and ensuring vulnerable victims receive appropriate recognition and support.  Discussion also took place on the use of artificial intelligence within policing. The DMPFC outlined the opportunities presented by emerging technologies to improve efficiency, including supporting investigations and evidence review, whilst emphasising the importance of ethical oversight and public assurance.

Resolved

That the Panel notes the update provided on progress following the HMICFRS PEEL inspection.

Update report from the Deputy Mayor regarding progress in delivering improvements to the handling of police complaints.

Considered

The report of the Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime on progress in delivering improvements to the management of complaints relating to North Yorkshire Police.

The Panel recalled its previous consideration of complaint-handling performance a year ago and welcomed the significant improvements made in reducing complaint processing times.  The DMPFC attributed this progress to the work of the complaints team, supported by additional resources, and emphasised the importance of effective scrutiny and public assurance in the complaints process.

Members sought assurance regarding communication with complainants throughout the lifetime of a complaint, particularly in more complex cases that remain open for extended periods.  The DMPFC advised that communication requirements vary depending on the nature of the complaint but acknowledged the importance of ensuring complainants are kept informed and understand the stages and expected timescales of the process.

Discussion also focused on the continued communication with complaints that extend over lengthy periods, for which the Chair noted that the Panel continues to receive a steady trickle of complaints. Members highlighted the importance of maintaining clear communication and managing expectations where delays are influenced by wider criminal justice system processes beyond the control of North Yorkshire Police.  It was also agreed that the DMPFC would clarify the position as regards the status of the business case for making the Professional Standards complaint team permanent.

Overall, the Panel welcomed the progress reported but noted the need for continued focus on the lifecycle of complaints and the quality of communication with complainants.

Resolved

That the Panel

a)     notes the report provided, outlining the improvements in complaint-handling performance; and

b)     considers receiving a further update on complaint management at a future meeting.

For the Panel to review and make recommendations on the Mayor’s draft report.

Considered

The Mayor’s draft Policing and Crime Annual Report 2025/26.

Members welcomed the opportunity to comment and suggested that the report would benefit from the inclusion of more outcome-based performance information, demonstrating the impact of investment, commissioned services and key initiatives.  It was suggested that stronger evidence of value for money and measurable results would provide greater assurance to the public.

The Panel also recommended wider use of crime and community safety data throughout the report, including information on neighbourhood and hotspot policing activity, public engagement outcomes and commissioned projects.  Members highlighted the importance of clearly identifying achievements, community impacts and lessons learned.

Further observations included ensuring appropriate reference to sexual violence and sexual offences within the report, strengthening commentary on police leadership and organisational improvement, and providing greater clarity regarding funding sources.  In relation to the latter, the suggestion focussed on bringing a clearer distinction between core government funding and mayoral investment, as well as identifying any discretionary funding.

The Deputy Mayor welcomed the comments and confirmed that all feedback would be considered as part of the development of the final report, which will be shared with the Panel ahead of its next meeting.  It was noted that a statutory report incorporating specific comments/recommendations from the Panel will be provided to the Mayor and DMPFC.

Resolved

That the Panel

a)    notes the draft Policing and Crime Annual Report 2025/26; and

b)    provides written feedback and recommendations as part of its statutory report to the Mayor.

For the Panel to review and make recommendations on the Mayor’s draft report.

Considered

The Mayor’s draft Fire and Rescue Annual Report 2025/26.

Members welcomed the report and considered it clear and accessible; noting the inclusion of year-on-year comparisons, numerical performance data and outcome-focused information.  It was suggested that some of the report’s presentation and use of performance data could be better reflected in the approach taken to the Policing and Crime Annual Report. 

Discussion on the report’s content included particular reference to the impact of the Langdale Moor wildfire during the reporting period, whilst emphasising the continuing importance of prevention activity, road safety work and wider community protection initiatives.

Members welcomed the inclusion of data on appliance availability, requesting that the DMPFC continues to monitor trends and geographical variations to support understanding of fire cover across the county.  The DMPFC acknowledged the ongoing challenges relating to workforce availability, service funding, estate investment and response times, whilst providing assurance that operational fire cover remains available across North Yorkshire.

Members also recorded their appreciation for the work of the fire and rescue service in responding to recent significant incidents in the York and Scarborough areas, including incidences of arson and a serious gas explosion.  The importance of effective public communications, prevention activity and partnership working was highlighted throughout the discussion.

Resolved

That the Panel

a)    notes the draft Fire and Rescue Annual Report 2025/26; and

b)    provides written feedback and recommendations to the Mayor through its statutory report.

Briefing paper from the Deputy Mayor on the status of use of Live Facial Recognition technology within the service.

Considered

The update from the Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime on the proposed use of live facial recognition (LFR) technology by North Yorkshire Police.

The DMPFC advised that detailed responses to assurance questions relating to the deployment of LFR had been published and would continue to be updated as further questions arise. She emphasised the need to balance the benefits of evolving policing technology with the protection of civil liberties and public confidence. Members sought assurance that independent scrutiny arrangements would be in place from the outset, including oversight by the Independent Ethics Advisory Board.

Members discussed the potential use of LFR in crowded public locations and at major events, while recognising that decisions regarding deployment are operational matters for the police.  It was noted that any use of the technology would be publicised in advance. The DMPFC explained that the technology is designed to identify individuals on a predetermined police watchlist, with images of non-matches deleted immediately.

The Panel also discussed public concerns relating to privacy, accuracy and training in use of the technology. Assurance was provided that any match generated by the technology would be subject to verification by a police officer before any action is taken and that the technology would not operate without human oversight.

Resolved

That the Panel notes the update provided on the proposed use of live facial recognition technology by North Yorkshire Police.

Update report from the Panel Secretariat.

Resolved

That the Panel

a)    notes the update report provided on progress against issues raised by the Panel; and

b)    agrees that all actions indicated to be completed are now removed from the actions log.

Update from the Secretariat on recent changes to councillor appointments to the Panel by North Yorkshire Council and Panel proportionality.

Considered

The report of the Panel Secretariat regarding the Panel’s balanced appointment objective and the impact of recent changes to political proportionality within North Yorkshire Council.

Members were invited to note that recent changes to political proportionality at North Yorkshire Council had resulted in a discrepancy between current Panel membership and political entitlement.  The Panel was advised that options to address the position were available, including requesting constituent councils to review and adjust their appointments or seeking approval for an additional political co-opted member from the Home Office.  However, both options would entail problematic discussions and possibly onerous processes.  It was advised that trying to adjust membership in this way is arguably unpalatable given that the local elections are taking place next year. 

Members indicated their support for retaining the current position and revisiting the matter following the next round of local elections.

Resolved

That the Panel

a)    notes the current position in relation to the balanced appointment objective;

b)    agrees to retain the existing membership arrangements for the remainder of the current municipal cycle; and

c)     reviews political proportionality and Panel membership following the local government elections in 2027.

Report by the Panel Secretariat.

Considered

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

Members were invited to contribute any particular points that they would wish to see covered in forthcoming reports, to assist the DMPFC’s office in preparation.

It was noted that it would be helpful to take a future report around youth offending; namely how this is increasing and to understand whether there is a link with the growing numbers of children who are being home educated. 

Road safety and partnership working was also noted although as this was taken in February, it was agreed that this should be picked up into 2027.

Resolved

That the Panel agrees its work programme, incorporating additional suggestions for future items.

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

No urgent items had been notified to the Chair.

The Chair took the opportunity to record his thanks to current and past councillors from York and North Yorkshire and current and past co-opted independent members to the Panel for their time, commitment and support to himself.  Thanks were also noted to the Mayor, DMPFC and the Chief Officers for policing and fire and rescue for the positive manner in which they have worked with the Panel.  Finally, the Chair noted his appreciation for the support received from the Panel Secretariat.

Councillor Myers proposed a note of thanks to Councillor Wilkinson, which was seconded by Councillor Grogan.

Wednesday, 14 October 2026 at 10:30am at City of York Council’s West Offices.

Wednesday, 14 October 2026 at 10:30am at City of York Council’s West Offices.