Information

The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (sections 12 and 28) states that a Police and Crime Commissioner must produce an “annual report”. The annual report must report on:

1. a) the exercise of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s functions in the financial year, and
   b) the progress which has been made in the financial year in meeting the police and crime objectives in the police and crime plan.

The Police and Crime Panel must then review the annual report and make a report outlining any recommendations to the Police and Crime Commissioner. The report or recommendations of the Panel must also be published. The Police and Crime Commissioner must provide a response to the panel and must also publish that response.

A copy of the Panel’s response can be downloaded here

PFCC’s Response

Following publication of the Panel’s response to my Annual Report, I am pleased to provide this reply in accordance with Section 28(4) of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011.

I welcomed the Panel’s thorough and constructive consideration of my Annual Report. The discussion provided a valuable opportunity to offer further context and assurance regarding the extensive work of the Office of the Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, while also demonstrating the progress being made in delivering the priorities set out within my Police, Fire and Crime Plan.

 Through the work of my Office, we have significantly enhanced our capacity to analyse and scrutinise performance data relating to Northamptonshire Police. This capability provides an important mechanism for holding the Chief Constable to account and enables robust monitoring of the delivery of my strategic priorities. The enhanced performance framework also strengthens the Office’s ability to monitor delivery against the Police, Fire and Crime Plan and assess whether activity is translating into improved outcomes for residents.

 This data-led approach will also support my oversight of the Force’s response to the recommendations arising from the recent HMICFRS report, helping to ensure that the improvements expected are both achieved and sustained. This enhanced analytical capability will also support ongoing oversight of the Force’s response to the HMICFRS Cause of Concern relating to Investigating Crime and the delivery of associated improvement plans. I can assure the Panel that I receive regular updates from the Force and intend to provide further information on progress later in the year.

Panel Members will recognise that tackling Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) remains a key priority across all areas of our work. Considerable progress has already been made, and it is essential that this work continues in a sustainable and impactful manner. Equally, we must continue to identify, adopt, and learn from emerging best practice across the country. The Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has a strong record of delivery in this area, and I am committed to ensuring that Northamptonshire continues to build upon these achievements. Particular attention will also continue to be given to victim experience and confidence measures, ensuring that improvements in operational performance are reflected in the service received by the public. 

Finally, I will continue to update the Panel on the work of the Public Safety Boards, which are contributing to a more strategic and coordinated county-wide approach to addressing some of the most significant challenges affecting our communities and residents.

I would like to thank the Panel for its positive and constructive response to the Annual Report. I look forward to continuing our productive partnership as we work together to strengthen accountability and support the ongoing improvement of policing services across Northamptonshire.

 Yours sincerely

Danielle Stone

Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Northamptonshire

A PDF copy of the response can be downloaded here