EditorPolice and Crime Commissioners to be abolished in England and Wales by 2028
The Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood branded the system a “failed experiment”, pointing to figures showing that fewer than one in five voters can name their commissioner.
There are currently 37 elected PCCs across England and Wales, a model introduced 12 years ago by former Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron. Under the reforms, when commissioners’ terms end in 2028, their responsibilities will transfer to elected mayors or council leaders.
“A dangerous accountability vacuum” warns South Wales PCC
South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Emma Wools said she was disappointed by the announcement, warning that it risks weakening transparency at a time when public trust in policing is already under strain.
“Police and Crime Commissioners have provided a clear line of accountability and scrutiny. Removing that role without consultation risks creating a vacuum in oversight, just when communities need reassurance that policing is responsive and transparent,” she said.
Dyfed‑Powys commissioner says communities will lose their voice
Dyfed‑Powys PCC Dafydd Llywelyn also criticised the decision, describing it as unexpected and poorly handled.
“This announcement came without consultation and undermines the direct link between communities and policing. PCCs have worked hard to hold forces to account and to represent local priorities. Abolishing the role risks losing that connection,” he said.
Government insists reform will free up frontline funding
Policing Minister Sarah Jones told MPs the model had “failed to live up to expectations” and “not delivered what it was set up to achieve.” She argued that public understanding of PCCs’ role remained low despite efforts to raise their profile.
The Home Office said the savings would allow for an extra £20m of investment in frontline policing every year — enough to fund around 320 constables.
Divided response from policing bodies
While the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) voiced disappointment, the Police Federation of England and Wales welcomed the move, saying the money should be used to fund experienced officers.
Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, said the reforms could bring “stronger, more integrated local leadership” if implemented well.
What happens next for Wales
The current 37 PCCs will remain in post until 2028, when their responsibilities will transfer to elected mayors or council leaders. In Wales, the UK Government has said it will work with the Welsh Government to ensure arrangements reflect “the unique circumstances of Wales.”
#dafyddLlewellyn #dyfedPowysPolice #emmaWools #homeOffice #homeSecretary #policeAndCrimeCommissioner #shabanaMahmoodMp #southWalesPolice
