Special constable time-off review secured by MP

Sir Ashley Fox said he was pleased his campaign had parliamentary support

An MP says he has successfully lobbied the government to commit to a consultation on whether to extend the right to time-off work to volunteer special police constables.

Sir Ashley Fox, the Conservative MP for Bridgwater, said he campaigned for the change after a constituent approached him to note volunteer special police constables do not receive the right to time off work.

Currently, magistrates, councillors and school governors can request unpaid time off work to carry out their duties.

Sir Ashley said he was "pleased" his lobbying has strong support across Parliament.

There are 6,118 Special Constables in England and Wales at the last count in March 2025, according to Home Office statistics.

The change Sir Ashley suggested was not included in the House of Lords amendments, but a similar change proposed by the government did make it in to the legislation, which commits the government to reviewing the prospect.

Sir Ashley said: "Specials hold the same powers and face the same dangers as regular officers.

"Yet it is extraordinary that the law allows time off for a meeting about a park bench but denies that same right to those who patrol our streets to keep us safe."

Sir Ashley worked with the Association of Special Constabulary Officers on the amendment.

Emma Murphy, who volunteers for the association, said: "They're from all backgrounds... retail workers all the way through to senior IT specialists across the UK, that ultimately want to give something back to their communities.

"It is a pivotal moment in our charity's history.

"We are so proud that we've been to secure this, not just for our current members but hopefully the future of the Special Constabulary."