Police and crime commissioners to be abolished, UK Government confirms
Police and crime commissioners (PCCs) are to be abolished under plans announced by the UK Government, with the Home Office estimating the move will save at least £100 million to fund frontline police roles.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the system of elected commissioners, introduced in 2012, had failed to deliver strong engagement with the public.
“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,” she said.
“Public understanding of, and engagement with, PCCs remains low despite efforts to raise their profile. Two in five people are unaware PCCs even exist.”
In North Wales, three PCCs have served since the post was created — Winston Roddick (2012–2016), Arfon Jones (2016–2021) and Andy Dunbobbin, who was first elected in 2021 and re-elected in 2024.
The Home Office said that in areas without regional mayors, the PCC’s responsibilities would transfer to elected council leaders.
For Wales, the government said the unique devolved local government structure will be “taken into consideration”, suggesting future arrangements could fall under the Corporate Joint Committees (CJCs) model.
“The unique circumstances of devolved local government arrangements in Wales will be taken into consideration. The government will ensure there is continuity of the support services for victims and witnesses that are currently provided by PCCs,” the Home Office said.
The transition to the new system will take place after the next electoral cycle in 2028.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “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.”
In a joint statement, the four Police and Crime Commissioners for Wales said the announcement marked “a significant moment for policing governance”.
They said: “The announcement that the role of Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) is to be abolished represents a significant moment for policing governance in Wales and across England.
“As PCCs, we and our offices perform vital functions that make a real and tangible difference to the lives of thousands of people, from commissioning critical services for victims and survivors, to holding our police forces to account, shaping local priorities, and representing the voices of our communities. This important work will continue throughout any transition period.
“While the detail of future governance arrangements has yet to be determined, it has been clear for some time that reform of the policing landscape has been high on the Government’s agenda.
“Our focus remains on ensuring that accountability, transparency and public service remain at the heart of any new model.
“The role of PCC may change, but our dedication to the people of Wales and our force areas remains unwavering. We will continue to champion victims, uphold public confidence, and work tirelessly to ensure that policing in Wales remains responsive, fair and effective through this period of transition and beyond.”
[Picture, North Wales PCC Andy Dunbobbin]
Check live fuel prices near you before you set off.
Spotted something? Got a story? Email news (@) deeside.com
NEW: Add Deeside.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Latest News
