The UK government has announced plans to end the system of police and crime commissioners (PCCs) in England and Wales, citing high costs and limited public understanding of their role.
Officials say abolishing the 37 elected positions could save £100 million during the current parliament and redirect funds toward front-line policing.
The PCC system, launched 12 years ago to improve local oversight of police forces, allows commissioners to set budgets, appoint chief constables, and produce policing strategies for their areas.
Despite its intended purpose, the Home Office said public recognition of PCCs remains very low, with less than one in five voters able to name their commissioner.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood explained that responsibilities currently held by PCCs will be transferred to either local mayors or council leaders once their terms conclude in 2028.
She stressed that services for victims and witnesses, previously overseen by commissioners, will continue under the new arrangements.
Policing Minister Sarah Jones told lawmakers that the PCC model “has not delivered what it was set up to achieve” and that the structure has “weakened local police accountability.” She added: “Public understanding [of PCCs' role] remains low despite efforts to raise their profiles.” Jones also noted that while commissioners worked to monitor policing and reduce crime, the system created challenges in appointing chief constables effectively.
The Home Office said scrapping PCCs will free up £20 million annually, enough to employ 320 additional officers each year. This reinvestment is part of a broader effort to strengthen police presence and improve safety in communities.
The move has received mixed reactions. Emily Spurrell, PCC for Merseyside and chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, said: “Abolishing PCCs now, without any consultation, as policing faces a crisis of public trust and confidence... risks creating a dangerous accountability vacuum.” She highlighted that the role has been crucial for transparency and ensuring policing meets local needs.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp criticized the plan as a superficial adjustment, saying the government is “tinkering around the edges” while failing to address crime effectively. He pointed to rising incidents such as shoplifting and warned that funding cuts threaten front-line staffing.
The Police Federation of England and Wales supported the decision. Chairwoman Tiff Lynch said the cost of PCCs could be better spent on experienced officers capable of maintaining law and order.
Liberal Democrat spokesperson Max Wilkinson welcomed the scrapping of PCCs but cautioned that transferring powers to mayors, who “have dubious democratic mandates,” may not solve the underlying problem of poor oversight.
The Home Office also noted that the 2024 PCC elections alone cost at least £87 million, a major portion of the projected savings.
While final expenses are still being calculated, the money saved from maintaining commissioners’ offices will now be reinvested in police services to bolster safety and operational capacity.
