UK Government to Abolish Police and Crime Commissioners by 2028
Published 13 November 2025
Highlights
- The UK government plans to abolish police and crime commissioners (PCCs) in England and Wales by 2028, citing the system as a "failed experiment."
- Responsibilities of PCCs will be transferred to elected mayors or local council leaders, aiming to save £100 million over the current parliament.
- Critics argue that the move reduces democratic accountability and transparency, with some PCCs expressing shock and disappointment over the lack of consultation.
- The Home Office claims the change will allow for an additional £20 million investment in frontline policing annually.
- The decision has sparked debate over the future of policing governance and accountability, particularly in areas without elected mayors.
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Rewritten Article
UK Government to Abolish Police and Crime Commissioners by 2028
The UK government has announced plans to abolish police and crime commissioners (PCCs) in England and Wales by 2028, a move aimed at saving £100 million over the current parliament. The decision, unveiled by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, labels the PCC system as a "failed experiment" that has not met its intended goals of enhancing police accountability.
Transition to Local Governance
Under the new reforms, the responsibilities of PCCs will be transferred to elected mayors or local council leaders. This shift is expected to streamline governance and redirect £20 million annually into frontline policing, potentially funding 320 additional constables. However, the transition has been met with criticism from current PCCs and political figures who argue that the change undermines democratic accountability and transparency.
Criticism and Concerns
Many PCCs have expressed their dismay over the abrupt announcement and lack of consultation. Norfolk's PCC Sarah Taylor resigned from the Labour Party in protest, citing a significant reduction in scrutiny and accountability. Similarly, West Midlands PCC Simon Foster described the decision as "inexcusable" and "outrageous," emphasizing the importance of maintaining a direct link between police forces and the communities they serve.
Regional Implications
The abolition of PCCs raises questions about the future of policing governance, especially in regions without elected mayors. In Wales, where no mayoral system exists, the UK government plans to collaborate with Welsh ministers to develop a suitable replacement model. Plaid Cymru has called for the full devolution of policing powers to Cardiff, highlighting the complexities of the current England and Wales justice system.
A Divisive Decision
The decision has sparked a broader debate about the effectiveness of PCCs and the best approach to policing governance. While some argue that the change will enhance efficiency and accountability, others fear it will create an "accountability vacuum" and diminish public trust in policing. The Home Office maintains that the reforms will strengthen local leadership and improve public safety.
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Scenario Analysis
The abolition of PCCs could lead to significant changes in policing governance across England and Wales. As responsibilities shift to elected mayors and council leaders, there may be challenges in ensuring consistent accountability and transparency. Regions without established mayoral systems, like Wales, will need to develop new governance structures, potentially leading to further political negotiations.
Experts suggest that the transition could impact public trust in policing, particularly if the new system fails to address concerns about democratic accountability. The debate over devolving policing powers to regional governments may intensify, especially in Wales, where calls for greater autonomy are growing. As the 2028 deadline approaches, the government will need to navigate these complexities to ensure a smooth transition and maintain public confidence in law enforcement.
The UK government has announced plans to abolish police and crime commissioners (PCCs) in England and Wales by 2028, a move aimed at saving £100 million over the current parliament. The decision, unveiled by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, labels the PCC system as a "failed experiment" that has not met its intended goals of enhancing police accountability.
Transition to Local Governance
Under the new reforms, the responsibilities of PCCs will be transferred to elected mayors or local council leaders. This shift is expected to streamline governance and redirect £20 million annually into frontline policing, potentially funding 320 additional constables. However, the transition has been met with criticism from current PCCs and political figures who argue that the change undermines democratic accountability and transparency.
Criticism and Concerns
Many PCCs have expressed their dismay over the abrupt announcement and lack of consultation. Norfolk's PCC Sarah Taylor resigned from the Labour Party in protest, citing a significant reduction in scrutiny and accountability. Similarly, West Midlands PCC Simon Foster described the decision as "inexcusable" and "outrageous," emphasizing the importance of maintaining a direct link between police forces and the communities they serve.
Regional Implications
The abolition of PCCs raises questions about the future of policing governance, especially in regions without elected mayors. In Wales, where no mayoral system exists, the UK government plans to collaborate with Welsh ministers to develop a suitable replacement model. Plaid Cymru has called for the full devolution of policing powers to Cardiff, highlighting the complexities of the current England and Wales justice system.
A Divisive Decision
The decision has sparked a broader debate about the effectiveness of PCCs and the best approach to policing governance. While some argue that the change will enhance efficiency and accountability, others fear it will create an "accountability vacuum" and diminish public trust in policing. The Home Office maintains that the reforms will strengthen local leadership and improve public safety.
What this might mean
The abolition of PCCs could lead to significant changes in policing governance across England and Wales. As responsibilities shift to elected mayors and council leaders, there may be challenges in ensuring consistent accountability and transparency. Regions without established mayoral systems, like Wales, will need to develop new governance structures, potentially leading to further political negotiations.
Experts suggest that the transition could impact public trust in policing, particularly if the new system fails to address concerns about democratic accountability. The debate over devolving policing powers to regional governments may intensify, especially in Wales, where calls for greater autonomy are growing. As the 2028 deadline approaches, the government will need to navigate these complexities to ensure a smooth transition and maintain public confidence in law enforcement.
