The government has announced it will abolish the role of Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) in what marks the most significant reform to police governance in over a decade.
The End of an Era for PCCs
Policing Minister Sarah Jones confirmed to the House of Commons that the 41 elected PCC positions across England and Wales will be scrapped, with their powers transferring to regional mayors "wherever possible" by the end of the current term in 2028.
Ms Jones declared that the PCC model has "failed to live up to expectations" and weakened local police accountability. She revealed that less than a quarter of voters participated in last year's PCC elections, while two in five people remain unaware these positions even exist.
Financial Savings and New Structure
The abolition is projected to save at least £100 million by the end of this parliament in 2029 - funding that Ms Jones stated could support approximately 320 additional police constables annually.
Where mayoral positions don't exist, council leaders will oversee new policing and crime boards. The minister confirmed there are no plans to create mayors in Wales specifically to absorb PCC powers.
First introduced in 2012 by the Conservative-Lib Dem coalition government, PCCs were designed to oversee non-operational policing matters including budget management and holding chief constables accountable, replacing the previous police authorities system.
Mixed Reactions to the Announcement
The decision has drawn contrasting responses across the political spectrum. Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp criticised the move as "rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic" and accused the government of "tinkering around the edges" while failing on crime and policing.
In contrast, the Liberal Democrats welcomed the announcement, with shadow attorney general Ben Maguire describing PCCs as a "failed Tory experiment which cost taxpayers dearly".
Former Dorset PCC Martyn Underhill, who served two terms before stepping down in 2021, expressed support for the change, stating he resigned because "I didn't think it was working". He voiced concerns about elected officials overseeing policing, suggesting it becomes "too political".
The transition period will see current PCCs complete their terms until 2028, ensuring continuity during the handover to the new governance structure.
