PFCC fire and crime plan to be discussed next week

CUMBRIA’S police, fire and crime commissioner will give an update on the progress report on what will be the priorities for emergency services in the county for the next four years.

He is due to meet members of the police, fire and crime panel at Allerdale House in Workington on Monday (October 14) from 10.30am.

David Allen’s report, the PFCC’s Police, Fire and Crime Plan 2024-28, states that on July 25 he launched a six-week public consultation to seeks views on the crime and community safety issues which present the biggest concern in local areas, and invited feedback on his proposed priorities for Cumbria Constabulary and Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service.

It adds: “The online survey was publicised widely, and paper copies were made available on request.

“The Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (OPFCC) has also facilitated discussions with a number of diverse groups and engaged with partners agencies. In total, the OPFCC has engaged directly with more than 1500 people across Cumbria.”

According to the report 1290 people responded to the online public consultation survey. The highest percentage of respondents said the following issues were their main local concerns:

Antisocial behaviour (specifically nuisance and environmental);

Antisocial driving (including speeding and careless driving);

Drugs (both taking and dealing);

Rural crime (crimes connected with theft of plant machinery, livestock, metal, oil and hare coursing.

The report adds: Respondents also made comments on police visibility, saying they do not see a police presence in their area.”

According to the report just under 80 people took part in several focus groups and the highest percentage of people said the following issues concern them the most:

Antisocial behaviour (nuisance, environmental and personal);

Drugs (both taking and dealing);

Antisocial driving;

Knife crime.

Partner organisations involved in the countywide partnership, Safer Cumbria, were also asked to comment on the proposed priorities as part of the consultation with the responses received described as supportive.

The Police, Fire and Crime Plan priorities proposed by the commissioner in the consultation were:

Putting people first;

Providing visible and accessible services;

Protecting vulnerable People and Communities;

Focusing on prevention to protect Cumbria;

Making best use of resources.

The report adds: “Under the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act, the commissioner must have regard to and publish a response to any report or recommendations made by the panel related to the draft plan.

“The panel is invited to provide any comments in writing by October 28, to enable the commissioner to publish the plan in November, in line with the timetable discussed at the panel meeting in May.”

It is recommended that the panel notes the outcomes of the public and partner consultation and the timescales for publication of the Police, Fire and Crime Plan and comment on the plan with a written response.