Roger Hirst, PFCC Essex, statement on Government announcement to abolish PCCs

Following the Government's announcement that Police and Crime Commissioners, including those who have taken oversight of Fire and Rescue Services, are to be abolished, Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, has made the following statement.

Mr Hirst said: “For Essex, these proposals do not change the direction already agreed locally. As part of the Devolution Priority Programme, we remain on track for the transition to a Strategic Mayoral Authority, with governance changes for Police and Fire & Rescue scheduled to take effect from 1 April 2027 - just over a year earlier than the national timetable announced today.

“I would like to assure Community Safety Partnerships and our wider local partners that this announcement does not affect our existing commitments or the continuity of our joint work.

“All partnership activity, funding arrangements, and shared priorities will continue as planned. Our focus on tackling crime, supporting victims, strengthening community safety and delivering against the Police and Crime Plan, and Fire and Rescue Plan priorities remain unchanged. We will continue to work closely together with all partners throughout this transition period.”

The full Government announcement can be read here.