MALDON MP Sir John Sir John Whittingdale attended a joint briefing with the Police Fire and Crime Commissioner and the county's Chief Fire Officer to hear urgent financial forecasts for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and Essex Police.

Essex County Fire and Rescue face a possible 13.7% grant reduction (approximately £5.1 million) — the equivalent of around 100 firefighters on top of a projected £4.9 million deficit over the next three years. Demand on the Service has risen 17% in five years due to population growth, climate-related risks and the need to protect key infrastructure and 350 miles of coastline.

Essex Police has delivered more than £10 million of savings this year but still faces significant shortfalls.

Current forecasts show a £7 million shortfall for 2026/27 and cumulative gaps of £39.4 million across the next four years, depending on the final police funding settlement.

Sir John said: "I and my Essex colleagues will be pressing the Chancellor ahead of the Budget for a fair and sustainable settlement and will update constituents as discussions progress."