ESSEX'S Conservative police, fire and crime commisioner has delivered a damning indictment of the government's spending review, announced yesterday (Wednesday, 11 June), delivered by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

Roger Hirst says it was a disappointing pronoucement and means the local police service will not be able to deliver the government's commitment to a 'Safer Streets Mission' and h=means it will operate at a deficit in the coming year.

He is also annoyed that the review did not mention the cash-strapped the fire and rescue sector.

Mr Hirst says: "The comprehensive spending review has proved disappointing.

"Working these figures through for Essex Police this settlement does not fully cover our existing projected deficit and the likely pay settlement for the current year.

Roger Hirst

"Our public want us to continue to reduce crime in Essex. To do so our police must maintain current strength, which means pay settlements and contractual increments must be funded.

"Essex Police has a strong record of finding efficiencies and will have to do so again. And again we will have to rely on local council taxpayers. This settlement will not provide the additional officers or investment in technology which we would need to deliver on the Government's Safer Streets Mission.

"The Comprehensive Spending Review has not funded the financial reality facing Essex Police and it has not even mentioned the fire and rescue sector.

"We urge the Government to confirm the funding arrangements for fire and rescue services as soon as possible to ensure we have opportunity to consider impacts and make decisions.

"We will continue to work with partners to provide effective and efficient policing and fire and rescue services in Essex, but tough decisions will have to be made."