Police and crime commissioners to be scrapped in England and Wales
Police and crime commissioners (PCCs) will be axed in England and Wales to save £100 million over the course of parliament’s tenure, the government has said.
The Home Secretary described the system as a “failed experiment” and the Home Office said less than 20 per cent of voters were able to name PCC.
The current system, which was introduced 12 years ago to increase police accountability, has 37 elected commissioners. Its main responsibilities include setting the annual budget, appointing police chiefs and preparing a policing plan.
A PCC insider described the move as “deeply” disappointing, and the shadow home secretary said the government was “tinkering around the edges” while “failing on crime and policing”.
When the commissioners’ terms end in 2028, the job will be handed over to an elected mayor or council leaders.
The Home Office said scrapping the role would enable an extra £20 million to be invested in frontline policing each year; This amount was enough for 320 police officers.
While its stated aim is to make forces more accountable to the areas they serve, the cost of the system and the effectiveness of commissioners have long been criticized.
Police minister Sarah Jones told the House of Commons on Thursday that the model “failed to meet expectations” and “does not deliver on what it was set up to achieve”.
“Public understanding [of PCCs’ role] “Despite efforts to raise their profile, it remains low,” he added.
PCCs try to provide strong oversight and combat crime, Jones said, but the model “undermines local police accountability and has negative impacts on the hiring of police chiefs.”
Under the changes, measures to reduce crime will be “considered as part of wider public services”, including education and health. The Home Office said the government would ensure the continuation of support services currently provided to victims and witnesses by PCCs.
Home Affairs Minister Shabana Mahmood said implementing the new reforms would make police accountable to local mayors or councils.
But shadow home secretary Chris Philp said scrapping the PCC “represents extreme tinkering by a government that has failed on crime and policing”.
He drew attention to the increase in crimes thefttogether Warnings from police forces over frontline staff cuts due to funding shortage.
Emily Spurrell, chair of Merseyside PCC and the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, said PCCs were “deeply disappointed with this decision and the lack of engagement with us”.
He argued that this role “increases scrutiny and transparency, ensuring the force is addressing the issues that matter most to local communities.”
“With policing facing a crisis in public trust and confidence, removing PCCs now without any consultation… risks creating a dangerous accountability gap,” he said.
The Police Federation of England and Wales welcomed the announcement.
Chairman Tiff Lynch said the “tens of millions of pounds” cost of PCCs should instead be used to fund the police service with “experienced officers who can continue to do the job”.
