Results now in! - PFCC Precept Survey 2025 reveals strong public support for increased funding for Essex Police and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service
Latest results from the PFCC Precept Survey 2025 show 81% of respondents were willing to increase funding to Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) with 84% of respondents willing to increase funding to Essex Police.
The survey closed on Monday 1st December, but there are still ways for the public to make their views known to the PFCC.
The PFCC engagement schedule continues in the new year with the following public meetings planned for January 2026:
- PFCC Colchester district Public Meeting – Monday 12th January 2026 at Thurstable School & Sixth Form, Maypole Road, Tiptree, Essex, CO5 0EW. 7pm to 8pm.
- PFCC Basildon district Public Meeting – Tuesday 27th January 2026 at Wickford Community Nevendon Centre, Nevendon Rd, Wickford SS12 0QG. 7pm to 8pm.
The online survey ran for six weeks from Monday 20th October to Monday 1st December, promoted via social media, partner organisations, and public events. Since Monday, the results have been analysed and reveal:
- Fire and rescue investment preferences: 57% favoured more investment in fire and rescue services, an increase from 49% in 2024. Women and those aged 65+ showed higher support.
- Fire and rescue precept support: 81% were willing to increase funding, with 33% supporting a £15 annual rise. Older respondents and women more frequently supported increases. Suggested increases ranged from £2.50 to £100 annually.
- Fire and rescue investment priorities: Top priorities for extra funding included improving road safety and reducing road deaths, protecting vulnerable people, and enhancing efficiency and effectiveness.
- Policing investment preferences: A strong majority (85%) wanted more investment in policing, consistent with 2024 levels. Women and older adults, showed higher support.
- Policing precept support: 84% were willing to increase funding, with 36% favouring a £25 annual rise. Men more frequently supported larger increases. Suggested increases ranged from £1 to £100 annually.
- Policing investment priorities: The main priorities identified for additional investment were more local, visible, and accessible policing, beating knife crime and drug gangs, protecting young people, and reducing anti-social behaviour and crime
A full report on the survey is now being collated and will inform the Commissioner and PFCC partners in the ongoing budget setting process for Essex Police and ECFRS.