Police and Crime Commissioners to be abolished

The government have announced that they will abolish Police and Crime Commissioners at the end of the current electoral cycle in 2028.

The move will save the taxpayer at least £100 million and helping to fund frontline officers to cut crime, the government claims.

Since 2012, PCCs have been elected to hold forces to account, but turnout at the polls and public knowledge of who their local PCC is has been incredibly low.  

Public understanding of, and engagement with, PCCs remains low despite efforts to raise their profile. Two in five people are unaware PCCs even exist. 

Their roles will be absorbed by regional mayors wherever possible, meaning measures to cut crime will be considered as part of wider public services such as education and healthcare.  

In areas not covered by a mayor, this role will be taken on by elected council leaders. 

The introduction of police and crime commissioners by the last government was a failed experiment.  

I will introduce new reforms so police are accountable to their local mayoralties or local councils. The savings will fund more neighbourhood police on the beat across the country, fighting crime and protecting our communities.  

I would like to recognise the efforts of all current and former police and crime commissioners, and thank them. These individuals served their communities and will continue to do so until they have completed their current terms.

:: Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood