PFCC responds to letter posted on social media by David Burton-Sampson MP

PFCC Roger Hirst has responded to letter from David Burton-Sampson MP, which was posted on social media yesterday.

Mr Hirst writes:

Dear David,

I am writing following your comments in Leigh-on-Sea News urging residents to think twice before attending tonight’s public meeting on police reform.

As Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, I have a responsibility to ensure Essex residents are informed and heard when significant changes to policing are being considered.

More than 1,700 people responded to my survey on these proposals. This evening’s meeting at Leigh Community Centre is an opportunity for residents to hear what is being proposed, ask questions and express their views. That is how open public debate should work.

Your call for residents to think twice before attending is difficult to reconcile with a commitment to listening to our communities. Our residents should be encouraged to hear the arguments, test the evidence and reach their own conclusions.

There is no disagreement between us about the importance of strong neighbourhood policing. It has been central to my approach throughout my time as Commissioner, and for four consecutive financial years Essex Police has been the biggest and strongest it has ever been.

In your comments, you point to 11 additional neighbourhood officers in Southend under the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee. It is important to note that only four of those officers were funded from additional central government grant.

The question before us tonight is a different one: whether reorganising police forces into larger regional bodies would improve policing for Essex residents. Arguments about the record of previous governments, or votes on separate pieces of legislation, do not answer that question.

The Government has made clear its intention to pursue substantial police reform. Lord Hogan-Howe’s review is considering the future structure of policing, including the number of forces, the geographical areas they cover and the arrangements for local governance and accountability.

These proposals go far beyond reducing bureaucracy. They could fundamentally change how policing in Essex is led, how resources are prioritised and how local communities are served.

The case for reorganisation has not yet been made. The Government has yet to demonstrate how the proposed changes would improve local policing, strengthen accountability or deliver better value for taxpayers.

That is why tonight’s meeting is important. It gives residents the opportunity to examine these issues and have their say, so I can ensure their views are heard by Government and together we can influence the proposals before final decisions are taken.

You also suggested that the proposal affecting PCSOs last year resulted from poor financial management. The facts do not support that assertion.

The shortfall reflected several documented funding pressures. These included the settlement not covering the full cost of the police pay award announced in July 2024, contractual pay progression and other unavoidable costs. Even after the maximum permitted precept increase and £8million of planned efficiency and productivity savings, Essex Police faced a recurring budget gap of £5.3 million.

I raised those concerns with ministers and in the media. Following additional Government funding, alongside further local measures, all 99 PCSO roles were retained. I welcomed that outcome, which supported my long-standing commitment to strong, visible policing in our communities.

We may disagree on the detail and the wider merits of the Government’s proposals, but that makes open and transparent public debate more important, not less.

I therefore hope you will reconsider your comments, attend the meeting tonight and contribute to the discussion.

Yours sincerely,

Roger Hirst