Consultation Response on the Strategic Policing Plan for Scotland 2026 - 2029
Renfrewshire Council · 13 January 2026
Back to Communities and Housing Policy Board — 13 January 2026 and its agenda
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PUBLIC ___________________________________________________________________ To: Communities and Housing Policy Board On: 13 January 2026 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: Director of Environment, Housing & Infrastructure ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: Consultation Response on the Strategic Policing Plan for Scotland 2026 - 2029 ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1 The Scottish Police Authority is responsible for preparing (and keeping under review) a strategic police plan, which sets out the main objectives for the provision of policing in Scotland. 1.2 The current Strategic Police Plan - the Joint Strategy for Policing - developed by the Scottish Police Authority and Police Scotland, ends in March 2026. As such, they are consulting on a new Strategic Police Plan for 2026-29. 1.3 The consultation runs from 1 December 2025 until 25 January 2026. A copy of the draft plan can be found here - Strategic Policing Plan for Scotland 2026- 2029 - Consultation Draft | Scottish Police Authority. 1.4 A copy of Renfrewshire Council’s response to the consultation can be found in Appendix 1. ___________________________________________________________________ 2. Recommendations It is recommended that the Communities and Housing Policy Board: 2.1 Approves the consultation response attached at Appendix 1 and delegates to officers to submit the response ahead of the due date of 25 January 2026.
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PUBLIC 3. Background 3.1 As legislated in the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012, the Scottish Police Authority is required to produce a strategic policing plan for Scotland which reflects and delivers against the Scottish Government set policing priorities. The current Scottish Government Strategic Policing Priorities were confirmed in January 2023 and there is a requirement for the Scottish Police Authority to review the Plan every three years. 3.2 The Strategic Policing Plan for Scotland sets out strategic outcomes which are aligned to the national strategic hierarchy and are cohesive across the policing system. These outcomes demonstrate consistency of the strategic direction for policing over recent years but have been enhanced to better reflect the coordinated action across and between the Scottish Police Authority, Forensic Services and Police Scotland in delivering on the policing purpose of improved safety and wellbeing of people, places and communities in Scotland. 3.3 This Strategic Policing Plan sets a clear strategic direction for organisational, operational, transformation and business plans across the policing system which will deliver progress towards these outcomes. ___________________________________________________________________ Implications of the Report 1. Financial – None. 2. HR & Organisational Development – None. 3. Community/Council Planning – None. 4. Legal – None. 5. Property/Assets – None. 6. Information Technology – None. 7. Equality & Human Rights – (a) The recommendations contained within this report have been assessed in relation to their impact on equalities and human rights. No negative impacts on equality groups or potential for infringement of individuals’ human rights have been identified arising from the recommendations contained in the report. 8. Health & Safety – None. 9. Procurement – None. 10. Risk – None. 11. Privacy Impact – None.
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PUBLIC 12. Climate Risk – None. 13. Children’s Rights – None. 14. COSLA Policy Position – N/A. ___________________________________________________________________ List of Background Papers None ___________________________________________________________________ Author: Gwyneth Heaney, Senior Manager Climate and Public Protection Email: gwyneth.heaney@renfrewshire.gov.uk
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PUBLIC Appendix 1 – Renfrewshire Council response to Strategic Policing Plan for Scotland 2026-2029 Consultation Draft. Strategic Outcome 1: Communities are safer and more secure, with less crime and improved wellbeing, through effective policing services reflective of local needs. Renfrewshire Council’s response Renfrewshire Council welcomes the emphasis on proactive, intelligence-led policing with a focus on engaging more with communities. Collaboration between policing and community planning partnerships is essential to address both traditional and emerging threats, including those linked to digital crime. We value the emphasis on prevention and early intervention, which aligns with our own priorities for reducing harm and improving wellbeing. Continued dialogue with communities and partners will be key to ensuring that policing strategies remain responsive and inclusive. Strategic Outcome 2: Services are designed and delivered compassionately, in a trauma-informed and person-centred way to ensure victims have trust and confidence in policing and are supported. Renfrewshire Council’s response – We strongly support the commitment to trauma-informed and person-centred policing. Renfrewshire Council share this approach in our own delivery of local services and see strong alignment with our Council Plan. We value the emphasis on inclusive engagement and lived experience, which aligns with the priorities set out within Renfrewshire’s Community Plan. Strategic Outcome 3: Partners and stakeholders are involved in developing a responsive and proactive whole-system approach to prevention, early intervention and harm reduction. Renfrewshire Council’s response – Renfrewshire Council supports the ambition for a whole-system approach that is more integrated, joined up and accessible for those in need. There is a well- established partnership between Police Scotland and Renfrewshire Council that will continue to support the priorities outlined within this Plan as well as identifying emerging concerns. This collaborative approach ensures early intervention and resolution. Renfrewshire Council will continue to develop the sharing of information, intelligence and data to support the existing effective partnership working.
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PUBLIC Strategic Outcome 4: The policing working environment is safer and its culture more inclusive, and is one where inspiring leadership enables everyone to feel valued and supported. Renfrewshire Council’s response – Renfrewshire Council welcomes the focus on workforce well-being and an inclusive culture where staff will feel valued and empowered to deliver the best possible services to communities in Scotland. Strategic Outcome 5: The policing system delivers best value through efficient, effective and sustainable services, which are adaptable and embrace opportunities for innovation and collaboration Renfrewshire Council’s response – Renfrewshire Council supports and welcomes the commitment to efficiency, sustainability and innovation which will delivery best value to communities across Scotland. This approach ensures that policing remains adaptable and resilient and will continue to deliver best value for communities.