The Commissioner has set up a scrutiny programme to hold Derbyshire Constabulary to account and provide the public with assurances around its performance.
There will be six reviews each year, with each meeting shining a spotlight on one of the Commissioner’s six priorities to establish progress and identify any areas of concern in the Constabulary’s performance.
As your elected representative, the Commissioner ensures that Derbyshire Constabulary, led by Acting Chief Constable Simon Blatchly, remains focused on the priorities that matter most to you.
Firstly, the Chief Constable is required to provide the Commissioner with a formal written report detailing achievements and actions within the six priority areas. This report is reviewed, scrutinised, and published.
That scrutiny is a key part of the Commissioner’s role – to challenge, support, and hold the police to account in delivering safer communities.
Secondly, the Commissioner raises questions submitted by residents with the Chief Constable to highlight areas of concern. These questions and priorities come directly from the public. The reviews are designed to shine a light on how those priorities are being addressed.
The Formal Report submitted for this PAM is available to view.
Public Questions
There were 42 questions submitted from the public for this priority. Some are being answered via our casework process and will be answered outside of this Public Assurance Meeting.
Road Safety
1, Bearing in mind drunk driving in rural areas is reaching epidemic proportions, do you have any plans to introduce Evidential Roadside breath testing machines? They are now approved by the Home Office and are in use in Merseyside. The practicality of dealing with drink drivers in rural areas makes this a no brainier. Lives are at risk every day. High Peak
Police Response
The force has invested in a number of portable evidential breath test machines to replace older evidential machines. These will be used within custody and medical settings where appropriate, and where efficiency savings can be realised. There are no plans to use portable evidential breath test machines at the roadside presently due to the limited number of machines, safeguarding issues and the requirement to take biometric samples from suspects.
2, Local residents face ongoing safety concerns regarding unauthorized electric scooters continuing to operate despite bans, alongside persistent vehicle speeding in the Littleover, Heatherton, and Highfields areas. To address these hazards, public authorities should be granted direct powers to confiscate abandoned or illicitly ridden e-scooters. Additionally, local traffic enforcement requires urgent reinforcement. Local community members are actively willing to volunteer and support local policing teams with initiatives like Community Speed Watch to help protect pedestrians and improve neighbourhood road safety. South Derbyshire
Police Response
E-Scooter/bike operations take place across the county led by local Safer Neighbourhood Teams and supported by motorcycle teams and drones. Scooters and bikes are routinely seized and offenders prosecuted, In the last 12 months the force has seized 162 E-Bikes force wide.
It is not an offence per se to wear a face covering, unless prohibited under specific legislation such as the Criminal Justice ad Public Order Act 1994.
There are numerous Community Speed Watch schemes in operation throughout Derbyshire, and the force is keen to hear from communities who wish to set up their own scheme.
There is no legislation or guidance prohibiting pursuit of e-bikes where users are not wearing helmets. However, each pursuit is managed via a dynamic risk assessment undertaken by the pursuing officer and control room inspector. The risks of pursuit need to be considered on a case-by-case basis. Relevant tactics are currently under review at a national level.
Officers do enforce against illegal number plates when offences are identified and where officers are able to do so. The force has recently invested in equipment to assist in identifying ‘ghost plates’ during vehicle stops. Please contact your local Safter Neighbourhood Team or CREST for more information.
3, How do you propose to bring the teenagers who wear balaclavas and ride illegal e-bikes at high speed to justice given that you aren’t allowed to pursue them if they don’t wear helmets? (as we all know they don’t). Bolsover
Police Response
Please see the response to question 2.
4, Given the ease of implementation, why aren’t vehicles with illegal registration plates enforced? I know the difficult line between endangerment and enforcement, but those flouting e-scooter/bikes need bringing to account. Both of these will require “bobbies on the beat” and for them to act. Derby
Police Response
Please see the response to question 2.
5, When are we going to introduce real and effective punishments for offenders. At the moment there appears to be no real deterrents and no respect for the police. I’m thinking in particular about Surron type bikes, which are a plague at the moment. Erewash
Police Response
Punishment is a matter for the Courts, guided by the sentencing guidelines, not the police. Based on engine KW capacity, if an electric bike falls into the category of a ‘motor vehicle’ then the penalty is as for driving any other motor vehicle on a road without the correct licence and insurance. Surron bikes fall within this category.
6, Why is nothing being done about illegal parking near Larklands Infant School and motor bikes racing up and down park road Ilkeston. Erewash
Police Response
Police data shows a very few reported issues in the vicinity of Larklands Infant School; only 1 report regarding electric bike; and 2 reports of poor parking. Several fixed penalty notices have been issued where police powers are available. Please note that enforcement for parking on single yellow lines and areas designated School Keep Clear areas with No Stopping Orders are the responsibility of the Local Authority Civil Enforcement officers. Notwithstanding, patrols around school drop-off and pick-up times will recommence to educate drivers and prevent further issues.
7, Why are there so many speeding motorists through Unstone, not just cars and motorbikes, but buses and lorries. North East Derbyshire
Police Response
The local SNT have been tasked with undertaking enforcement action in the vicinity, and advertising this on social media. Additionally, the SNT will consider the feasibility of establishing a Community Speed Watch scheme. Derbyshire County Council would be responsible for implementing permanent traffic calming measures.
8, Why is the Derbyshire Captcha team (where dashcam footage is sent to) not taking action against serious incidents caught on dashcam? When you complain you are stonewalled. There are some serious driving offences on the road and it’s getting worse and nothing being done? (even with clear dash cam footage) Can send some over to you. Hit and run offences are on the up. More roads policing units required. North East Derbyshire
Police Response
All Dashcam footage submitted via Op Capture is reviewed, its content considered and appropriate action taken according to force policy. Due to College of Policing forensic examination licencing requirements, there are proportionality limitations around the examination of footage where the calculation of speed and distance would be required for prosecution; such cases are considered based on severity.
Police Resources
9, With national data currently available 70% of all new recruits leave the Police force within the first 5 years with the majority citing disillusionment as a reason. What is the percentage for Derbyshire and what, if anything, is being done to address this? We need experienced officers policing our streets and if such a huge majority are leaving within the first 5 years how do you plan to address this? Derby
Police Response
In 2025/2026, 42% of all Derbyshire Constabulary officer leavers left voluntarily. Officers with five or fewer years of service accounted for73% of all voluntary resignations in 2025/2026. To tackle attrition rates among young in-service officers, the force has introduced several key initiatives focussed on improving student officer wellbeing and retention. To ensure alignment with the national leavers framework (NLF) and improve data collection on officer resignations, the force has developed a bespoke leaver notification process. This new system standardises data collection, allowing the force to capture richer, more consistent insights into why police officers’ leave. By establishing this clear process, the force can now effectively report on consistent resignation reasons, identify emerging trend patterns, and better support stay and exit interview procedures. Ultimately, these insights provide actionable, data-driven retention strategies that directly enhance workforce planning and staff retention.
The force’s online onboarding hub has been created to support student officers through both pre-onboarding and early onboarding phases of their journey. This dedicated platform serves as a central reference point throughout their probationary period, providing easy access to a wealth of essential information. Specifically, the hub offers foundational and reflective learning opportunities, guidance on future career paths, and a wide variety of wellbeing support options to assist officers as they begin their careers.
National learning indicates that the decision to leave the force is cumulative, meaning early intervention is critical to retaining officers before they reach the point of leaving voluntarily. In response, the force has developed a series of targeted questions designed to identify student officers the moment they begin experiencing difficulties. These questions adapt dynamically as the officer progresses through their training journey. To maximise early retention, the force has shifted its focus from asking about intentions to leave to actively asking what support is needed. Participation in this process is entirely voluntary, and the force has provided comprehensive information to encourage high uptake among new recruits.
10, From what I hear and see, Police resources are spread too thinly which means that more severe types of crimes get prioritised at the expense of so called “minor” incidents when nobody actually gets injured or worse. However, these “lesser” crimes do have a significant impact upon those involved both materially and mentally. Do the Police recognise this? What should they be doing about it? Erewash
Police Response
Within the force, departments and specialist teams work together to investigate various types of incidents and crimes. Safer Neighbourhood Teams play an important role in supporting local communities. They often deal with offences that occur within their neighbourhoods, provide ongoing support to victims and witnesses, and make referrals to partner agencies where appropriate to ensure individuals receive the help they need. At the conclusion of an investigation, a range of outcomes may be considered. One such outcome is Restorative Justice, which can provide victims with an opportunity to have their voice heard, ask questions about the impact of the offence, and gain a sense of closure. Participation in Restorative Justice can also help reduce the longer-term emotional and psychological effects that crime may have on those affected.
11, You say you want to bring justice to the system and help protect victims, but how can this realistically be achieved when we all know you need more officers on patrol, more resources to respond to calls, and your existing officers are already massively under pressure? How can victims be properly protected and justice delivered when the police simply don’t have the resources or capacity to deal with the volume of calls and crime they are facing? Surely, before promising to bring justice and protect victims, we need to ask whether the police service is actually being given the officers, funding and resources it needs to do that job effectively? Erewash
Police Response
Policing faces significant demand, increasing complexity in crime and safeguarding, and finite resources. Officer numbers, funding and specialist capabilities all matter, and it is reasonable for the public to question whether policing has the resources needed to meet expectations.
Police forces must continually improve how they use the resources available, focusing on those most at risk and the offenders causing greatest harm. This means prioritising high-risk cases, improving investigative standards, making better use of technology and digital evidence, reducing unnecessary bureaucracy, and working closely with partners across the criminal justice system and safeguarding agencies.
Effectiveness is not solely determined by resources. It is also about how well those resources are deployed and how agencies work together to protect vulnerable people. The force’s priorities – problem solving, responding timely, investigating and safeguarding – demonstrates the force’s commitment to prioritise those most at risk, to use its resources as effectively as possible, and continually improve the service provided to the public.
Criminal Justice
12, Why does it take the police and cps six months plus to bring an offender to court, even serious sexual offenders charged with underaged sexual activity. High Peak
Police Response
Cases involving serious offences, including sexual offences against children, can take many months to reach court due to the complexity of the criminal justice process and the need to ensure that investigations and prosecutions are both thorough and fair.
A number of factors can contribute to delays, including:
- The need to secure, examine and disclose large volumes of evidence, such as mobile phones, digital communications, social media content, forensic evidence and witness statements.
- Safeguarding and supporting victims and witnesses, particularly where they are children or vulnerable individuals, to ensure their evidence can be obtained in the best possible way.
- Reviews by the CPS to determine whether the evidential and public interest tests are met, and in some cases requests for further investigative work before a charging decision is reached.
- Court capacity and listing pressures, particularly for Crown Court cases, where serious sexual offences are usually heard.
- Legal processes such as defence disclosure requests, pre-trial hearings and applications that must be resolved before a trial can proceed.
While these timescales can understandably be frustrating for victims, families and communities, the police and CPS have a responsibility to ensure that cases are investigated thoroughly, that all relevant evidence is considered, and that prosecutions are robust enough to maximise the prospects of securing justice and protecting the rights of all involved.
The police and CPS continue to work with HM Courts & Tribunals Service to reduce delays wherever possible, particularly in cases involving vulnerable victims and serious sexual offences.
13, Why can’t we sentence more to community work whilst tagged for low level crime, rather than send them to prison, which is both costly and could have a negative impact on the individual? Bolsover
Police Response
The police are responsible for investigating offences and presenting evidence to the CPS and the courts. Decisions on whether an offender receives a community sentence, unpaid work requirement or custodial sentence are made independently by the courts in accordance with legislation and sentencing guidelines.
For lower-level offences, the Force has a dedicated Out of Court Resolution team that considers whether cases can be dealt with through alternative disposals rather than prosecution. These approaches can provide a swift and proportionate form of justice, requiring offenders to take responsibility for their actions, make reparations where appropriate and address the causes of their offending. They often deliver quicker outcomes for victims and communities than the traditional court process and are not regarded as a lesser form of justice.
CJS/Sentencing
14, Is the Justice System in this Country broken? Amber Valley
Police Response
It is recognised that the criminal justice system continues to face significant pressures, particularly in relation to the volume and complexity of cases entering the courts. These pressures can result in delays from charge through to trial and sentencing, which can be frustrating for victims, witnesses and communities alike.
However, such delays should not be interpreted as a system that is broken. The police, CPS, courts and wider criminal justice partners continue to secure convictions, safeguard victims and bring offenders to justice every day. Many investigations, particularly those involving serious violence, child abuse and sexual offences, require extensive evidence gathering, digital forensic examination and detailed case preparation to ensure cases are robust and can withstand scrutiny in court.
Partners across the criminal justice system are working collectively to improve timeliness and reduce backlogs, whilst maintaining the fairness, integrity and quality of investigations and prosecutions.
15, The justice system is rubbish. Chesterfield
Police Response
Please see the response to question 14.
16, The whole justice system doesn’t work. Sentences are too lenient. High Peak
Police Response
Sentencing decisions are made independently by the courts, which must consider the specific circumstances of each case, the seriousness of the offence, the offender’s previous history, any mitigating or aggravating factors, and the relevant sentencing guidelines. While some outcomes may appear lenient on the surface, courts are required to balance punishment, rehabilitation, public protection and the likelihood of reducing future offending.
It is also important to recognise that effective justice is not measured solely by the length of a sentence. Community orders, rehabilitation programmes, unpaid work requirements and other court-imposed conditions can provide meaningful consequences while addressing the factors that contribute to offending. In many cases, reducing the likelihood of reoffending delivers greater long-term benefits to victims and communities than punishment alone.
17, We need tougher sentencing. High Peak
Police Response
Please see the response to question 16.
18, Why are we so lenient on criminals, they get much shorter sentences now and then we let them out early. No wonder crime is on the rise. Erewash
Police Response
Please see the response to question 16.
19, Why does the punishment so rarely fit the crime and there is so little regard in law for the victims? Erewash
Police Response
Please see the response to question 16.
20, My main concern is that the current sentencing guidelines do not do enough to deter potential criminals and unfortunately I see the trend towards even less of a deterrent. What actions are planned to counter this trend? South Derbyshire
Police Response
Please see the response to question 16.
21, Why don’t repeat offenders get increased sentences and or fines? Derby
Police Response
Please see the response to question 16.
22, The police are doing a great job but with one hand tied behind their backs, the biggest problem is the courts are letting the police down very badly with the very lenient sentences being passed down, no wonder the crime figures are so high. Derby
Police Response
Please see the response to question 16.
23, I am very concerned that the police service do a fair job overall often putting their lives on the line catching criminals of all kinds, but once the cases are taken to court the true justice is not served often laughed at by the people who more often than not go on to commit further crimes etc. The Judicial system is letting us down by their weak ways. Derbyshire Dales
Police Response
Please see the response to question 16.
24, It is very evident that there are an awful lot of criminals out in the streets. Many of these people are well known to the police as they are habitual criminals, with multiple offenses. Unfortunately this softly, softly approach isn’t working and a real deterrent is required. What can she do to ensure crime doesn’t pay? Erewash
Police Response
Please see the response to question 16.
25, It seems more often that evidence shows crime does pay. Crimes have to meet a ‘threshold’ to go to court, so often get away with committing offences. If a conviction is secured, whatever the sentence is, it is immediately considered halved, and potentially more if released on license and now convicted criminals can be released even earlier because the jails are ‘too full’. Suspended sentences are given for serious crimes so offenders do not even get to go to jail. If sentences were given that reflected the crime, and criminals served their sentence, this may act as more of a deterrent than rewarding criminals with not only early release, but woefully short sentences. Those on license are barely monitored. Sex Offenders are barely monitored and often don’t require an environment check, despite their risk to others. Fines are a joke – some serious car crimes are committed – driving without a licence or insurance and under the influence of drugs / alcohol and their fine is remarkably less than what I have to pay for car insurance and tax – they get a slap on the wrist, banned from driving and get straight back in a car, while I end up paying for their carnage. They should have to pay back any costs for damage to police cars and acceptable costs for injuries. The police and supporting staff are chronically under appreciated and all the hard work they do is met with unsuitable charges (many not charged or charges dropped) and unsuitable sentences. What is being done to make law abiding citizens feel safe and doesn’t reward criminals with laughable sentences, if sentenced at all. South Derbyshire
Police Response
Please see the responses to questions 10-16.
26, Surely the whole system needs a complete overhaul re sentencing times? and why won’t they bring in a 3-strike system like America with zero tolerance? All non-UK offenders should be shipped back to their state of origin as soon as they are linked to any crime and not allowed back into the UK? High Peak
Police Response
Some people do share concerns about sentencing and repeat offending, particularly when persistent criminals continue to impact victims and communities. It is understandable that people question whether the current system provides sufficient deterrence, punishment and rehabilitation.
Proposals such as a “three strikes” system are often debated. Supporters argue they provide a strong deterrent, while others argue that reducing reoffending also requires effective rehabilitation and prevention. Ultimately, sentencing policy is a matter for Parliament, not the police. The police role is to investigate offences, gather evidence and present cases to the Crown Prosecution Service and the courts.
Regarding foreign national offenders, legislation already provides for the deportation of some offenders following conviction, subject to certain legal requirements being met.
27, Is there anything that can be done to prevent those who commit serious crimes, being given bail and disappear never to be seen again? It seems like such a waste of police time catching them in the first place. Amber Valley
Police Response
Cases where offenders abscond can undermine confidence in the criminal justice system. However, decisions on bail are governed by legislation and are made following an assessment of the risks posed by the individual. The courts, and in some circumstances the police, must consider factors such as the seriousness of the offence, the strength of the evidence, the likelihood of the person surrendering to custody, the risk of further offending, and the potential for interference with victims or witnesses.
Where there are substantial grounds to believe a defendant may abscond, commit further offences or pose a risk to the public, bail can be refused and the individual remanded in custody. Where bail is granted, conditions can be imposed to manage risk, such as residence requirements, curfews, exclusion zones, reporting requirements or electronic monitoring.
While no system can entirely eliminate the risk of someone failing to appear at court, robust risk assessments and appropriate bail conditions minimises that risk. When individuals do breach bail conditions or fail to attend court, further offences may be committed, and warrants can be issued to secure their arrest and return them before the courts.
28, What is your view on bringing back the death penalty–particularly in cases there have been recently such as the Southport and Nottingham murders and in light of the overcrowded prison system. Derbyshire Dales
Police Response
The tragic events in Southport and Nottingham have understandably led to strong public emotions and renewed debate. It is important to recognise that the UK has long-standing legal and international obligations which prohibit capital punishment; the UK being a signatory to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) which has ratified protocols that abolished the death penalty.
Concerns about prison overcrowding are also understandable. However, decisions about punishment are generally based on sentencing guidelines, which is a publicly available document. From a policing perspective, the focus remains on identifying offenders, securing the best possible evidence, protecting victims and communities, and ensuring those responsible for serious crimes are brought before the courts. Once convicted, decisions about sentencing and punishment are matters for the Courts.
Prisons
29, What is the point of Magistrates or Judges sentencing an offender to a certain period of custody, for them to be released early because there’s no room in the Prison System? It makes a mockery of the sentence given as punishment for their offence. High Peak
Police Response
Please see the response to question 16.
30, How do they feel about early release it has to be demoralising making all the effort to arrest people for them to never see a court on technicalities or get let out early. Just let them know they are very much appreciated for doing a massively difficult job in the face of a justice system that’s not fit for purpose. Derbyshire Dales
Police Response
Please see the responses to questions 16 & 31.
31, Justice surely includes a full term sentence without early release. How will you support your officers so they don’t feel demoralised? High Peak
Police Response
The force recognises that officers may sometimes feel frustrated when significant effort has been invested in bringing offenders to justice and the outcome does not align with public expectations. That said, officers regularly receive feedback from victims and members of the public thanking them for their professionalism, compassion and commitment to keeping communities safe. These expressions of appreciation are greatly valued and serve as an important reminder of the positive impact officers have in protecting victims, holding offenders to account and supporting those who need help most.
32, Criminals cannot be properly brought to justice if the justice system cannot provide a place to get the criminal rehabilitated in prison. When will foreign detainees be removed back to their country to make way for our own. South Derbyshire
Police Response
In practice, UK law already provides powers to deport many foreign national offenders, particularly those who receive custodial sentences of 12 months or more. Deportation is considered an important measure for protecting the public and preventing further offending. However, deportation decisions must be made within a legal framework that includes immigration law, human rights legislation and the UK’s international obligations. As a result, some cases are subject to appeals and legal challenges, which can extend the process. Ultimately it is a matter for the Home Office and the courts rather than the police.
33, My question is why are you not deporting all of none English passport holders who are in our prisons. South Derbyshire
Police Response
Please see the response to question 32.
34, Why are criminals getting away with such light sentences and if we need to free up prison space why are foreign criminals not deported immediately instead of us taxpayers footing the bill – it’s a national disgrace. North East Derbyshire
Police Response
Please see the response to question 32.
35, In this ever changing world will prison population exceeding the amount of places would it not be a good idea to build new prisons to keep offenders that warrant prison time places to be sent to. I realise that this will take planning etc but it will also make it possible for people to sleep in there beds knowing that someone is doing something about the situation. Chesterfield
Police Response
The public expect that offenders who pose a risk to the public and are sentenced by the courts should have a prison place available to them. It is therefore understandable that people ask whether increasing prison capacity should form part of the solution.
Decisions about building new prisons are a matter for government, but sufficient prison capacity is an important part of maintaining public confidence and ensuring offenders can be held accountable. However, prisons alone are not the answer. To keep communities safe in the long term, there must also be a strong focus on prevention, early intervention and rehabilitation. Preventing people from becoming offenders in the first place and reducing reoffending among those who have already entered the criminal justice system, is just as important as having enough prison places. The force prioritises crime prevention alongside responding, investigating and safeguarding.
36, What is the issue that has stopped successive governments from building more prisons to accommodate prisoners from fulfilling the full term of their sentences. Instead of sending money abroad we should get our own country in order first. Amber Valley
Police Response
Please see the response to question 35.
37, Prisons should be basic facility units for up to 6 months with good behaviour on any sentence. High Peak
Police Response
Prisons are a separate organisation which do not fall under the responsibilities of the police. For responses on sentencing and prison capacity please see the responses to questions 16, 31, and 35.
Other
38, Why do you allow offenders to abuse yourselves and others on line to put pressure on you to not investigate them? And why are you not arresting them for coercive behaviour? This is injustice and is putting a lot of people in danger when such individual are putting names and numbers of arresting officers online. Derby
Police Response
Police officers are public servants who can be subject to public scrutiny, and in many circumstances their names and/or collar numbers are already visible during their duties. However, freedom of speech does not create an unfettered right to publish personal information where doing so could place officers or their families at risk, undermine operational policing, or amount to harassment. The force will respond appropriately in such circumstances.
39, Will you be pursuing the Pakistani Muslim rape gangs active in Derby? Derby
Police Response
The force adopts the Op Soteria approach to rape and serious sexual offence investigations, ensuring that investigations are victim-centred, suspect-focused and context led. The force will pursue perpetrators of such offences regardless of the individual’s ethnicity or religion.
40, Watch Richard Madelyn documentary on channel 5. Insight into reducing crime. It’s harsh but it works. Derbyshire Dales
Police Response
Prisons are a separate organisation which do not fall under the responsibilities of the police. For responses on sentencing and prevention please see the responses to questions 16, 31, and 35.
41, Why do Derbyshire constabulary not take complaints seriously and punish victims? Chesterfield
Police Response
The force does take all reports of crime seriously, ensuring responses are timely, that victims are safeguarded, that proportionate investigations are undertaken, and that problem solving activity is undertaken wherever possible. The force’s priorities – prevent, respond, safeguard, and investigate – reflect this.
42, What is being done to establish the root cause of why offenders are committing unlawful acts. Prefer not to Say
Police Response
The Force’s Prevention Strategy incorporates primary, secondary and tertiary crime prevention approaches.
Primary prevention focuses on reducing the conditions that enable crime to occur. Safer Neighbourhood officers work closely with local communities to identify emerging risks and vulnerabilities, while dedicated problem-solving officers use environmental and situational crime prevention techniques to reduce opportunities for offending. Where individuals do become involved in criminality, early intervention is a key priority.
Secondary prevention is delivered through Out of Court Resolution and Youth Justice officers, who work to identify the underlying causes of offending and provide tailored interventions designed to prevent further offences. These interventions may include mentoring, restorative justice, educational programmes, mediation and other supportive measures aimed at addressing the factors contributing to offending behaviour.
The force’s Integrated Offender Management (IOM) Team is an example of tertiary crime prevention and aims to improve the way in which criminal justice agencies and other partners share information and work together to control, manage, and rehabilitate a small, targeted group of offenders that have a history of criminality. They work with people to prevent further offending by addressing the underlying causes of why they commit crime including; but not limited to, lack of accommodation, substance misuse and lack of mentorship. This is a multi-agency collaboration with Police, Probation services, prisons, substance misuse providers and housing providers.