PFCC today visits Westminster to raise concerns with Essex MPs of growing funding pressures on policing and fire services

Today PFCC Roger Hirst met with Essex MPs at Westminster to outline budget challenges for Essex Police and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and urge fair, sustainable funding for community safety.

Mr Hirst visited Portcullis House, part of the Houses of Parliament estate, with Chief Fire Officer Rick Hylton, to show county MPs current funding projections for Essex Police and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS).

Chief Fire Officer Rick Hylton and PFCC Roger Hirst are pictured today speaking with Sir John Whittingdale, MP for Maldon.

Mr Hirst said: “What we are seeking is support in pressing Government Ministers for a fair and sustainable funding settlement, essential to keeping Essex safe.

“Demand on Essex County Fire and Rescue Service has grown by 17% over the past five years, reflecting population growth, climate-related risks such as wildfires and the need to protect complex, nationally important infrastructure - including the M25 and A12, international ports and airports, 350 miles of coastline and key energy and logistics hubs. Despite this the number of house fires in Essex have reduced by 13.3% since 2019 and the service is making more prevention and protection visits to homes and businesses than ever before.

“Essex Police is the biggest and strongest it has ever been, with more officers local, visible and accessible on the streets of communities across the county. Since 2016 incidents of anti-social behaviour have fallen by more than two thirds and crime is falling every year, decreasing by 4.3% in the 12 months to the end of September 2025.

The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner is currently consulting Essex residents for their views on precept levels for Essex Police and ECFRS through the PFCC Precept Survey 2026/27, which is now live here: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/PFCCSurvey26-27/