UK Government to Abolish Police and Crime Commissioners by 2028, Powers to Shift to Mayors

Government Announces End to PCC System

The United Kingdom government today confirmed its intention to abolish the role of Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) across England and Wales by 2028. The announcement, made by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Policing Minister Sarah Jones, marks a significant restructuring of local policing governance. The powers currently held by PCCs will be transferred to elected mayors in England where such roles exist, or to new policing committees led by local council leaders in other areas.

The decision will see the cancellation of the next PCC elections, which were scheduled for May 2028. Ministers anticipate the abolition will generate savings of at least £100 million over the current Parliament, with £20 million annually to be reinvested directly into frontline policing, sufficient to fund an additional 320 police constables.

Background and Criticisms of the PCC Role

Police and Crime Commissioners were established in 2012 under the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 by the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government. Their mandate was to provide direct democratic accountability for local police forces, overseeing budgets, setting policing priorities, and appointing chief constables.

However, the system has faced persistent criticism. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described the PCC model as a 'failed experiment,' stating, 'The introduction of police and crime commissioners by the last government was a failed experiment.' Policing Minister Sarah Jones added that the model 'has weakened local police accountability and has had perverse impacts on the recruitment of chief constables,' and that PCCs 'failed to inspire confidence in local people.' Key criticisms cited by the government include:

• Low public awareness: Less than 20% of voters can name their PCC, and two in five people are unaware the role exists.
• Limited engagement: The role has struggled to achieve the visibility and accountability it was designed for.
• Cost and bureaucracy: The system has been criticized for adding an extra layer of administration.

Transfer of Powers and Future Governance

The transfer of PCC functions will primarily see powers move to existing elected mayors in England. This model is already in place in several areas, including London, Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, and North Yorkshire, where mayors already hold equivalent policing responsibilities. In areas without an elected mayor, the responsibilities will be assumed by new policing committees led by local council leaders.

The government stated that this shift aims to improve transparency, reduce duplication, and ensure policing decisions are made closer to existing local democratic structures. A forthcoming Police Reform White Paper is expected to provide further details on these reforms and broader changes to policing standards.

Mixed Reactions from Stakeholders

The announcement has elicited varied responses from key stakeholders. The Police Federation of England and Wales, representing police officers, welcomed the abolition, calling PCCs an 'expensive experiment which has failed.' Its national chair, Tiff Lynch, stated, 'We welcome this announcement and look forward to helping shape whatever accountability structures replace directly-elected police and crime commissioners.'

Conversely, the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) expressed strong disapproval. Chairwoman Emily Spurrell stated the body was 'deeply disappointed by this decision and the lack of engagement with us,' warning that abolishing PCCs without consultation 'risks creating a dangerous accountability vacuum.' Some individual PCCs also voiced surprise and disappointment, noting a lack of prior consultation on the government's plans. The Conservative party's Shadow Home Secretary, Chris Philp, characterized the move as 'minor tinkering around the edges.'