Essex residents and businesses will see more investment in policing if proposals put forward by Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex are agreed.
In his budget proposals for 2021/2022, Mr Hirst is planning to keep the increase in the precepts to a minimum to reduce the financial impact on the public. The proposal will fund 184 more police officers to enable Essex Police to keep people safe, prevent crime and catch criminals.
To continue to deliver the level of policing residents want, it will be necessary to increase the policing element of the council tax by 4.98 per cent, equivalent to £9.90 a year for a Band D property. This is significantly less than the maximum increase permitted but the minimum required to continue Essex Police’s programme of growth. There is not the same urgent need for an increase in the fire and rescue service precept as investment for the service can be met from current reserves.

Work together, protect each other & #StaySafeEssex - Message from Roger Hirst

These past few weeks have been tough. Although infection rates across the south of our county have thankfully now begun falling, rates in North Essex aren’t yet and we must continue to do all we can to stay home, protect the NHS and save lives.

Watch Roger's Message

Get a fast Covid-19 test at a centre near you

If you haven’t got Covid-19 symptoms, find out if you are safe by getting a fast test at a centre near you. Around 1 in 3 people with Covid-19 do not have any symptoms.

These tests are fast, easy, local and free and available to anyone in Essex who is not showing symptoms of Covid-19. If you’re leaving home to go to work, getting tested can give you peace of mind that you’re keeping customers safe.

It usually only takes 30 minutes to get your result and you can choose whether to get tested near home or work.

Book a test on the Essex County Council website.

However, if you do have symptoms of Covid-19, you should book a test on GOV.UK.

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