THE police and fire services in Essex could start to share estates, back office services and information in plans to make both services more efficient and effective.

Police and crime commissioners could become the fire and rescue authority under the plans, which could see back office services, estates and knowledge shared between Essex Police and Essex County Fire and Rescue.

A public consultation has been launched today and it will last until May 10.

Police and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst said: "Together we have developed a local case for Essex to strengthen our emergency services, improve joint working and deliver significant savings.

"We have an opportunity to share knowledge; back office services; make better use of estates, and help protect vulnerable people in joined-up ways.

"The resources freed up by this would be reinvested in front line services and enable both emergency services to better protect the people of Essex.”

The new Policing and Crime Act 2017 offers the opportunity to transform local fire and rescue governance, enabling police and crime commissioners to become the fire and rescue authority where a strong local case is made.

The Government has also created a statutory duty to collaborate.

To give your views, click HERE or contact the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner by emailing pcc@essex.pnn.police.uk.