England and Wales are on the brink of the most radical change in police governance since the introduction of Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) in 2012. The UK government has announced that all PCC roles will be abolished by 2028, transferring authority to regional mayors and council leaders instead. This landmark decision is set to save taxpayers at least £100 million, which will be reinvested in neighbourhood policing and crime reduction efforts. As the nation approaches this turning point, the move has sparked widespread debate regarding accountability, local engagement, and the future direction of policing.
What Are Police and Crime Commissioners?
Police and Crime Commissioners were established following the 2011 Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act. Their purpose was clear: to make policing more accountable to the local electorate. PCCs replaced existing police authorities, introducing directly elected officials whose core functions included:
- Appointing and overseeing the Chief Constable
- Setting the police budget and local precept
- Developing a five-year Police and Crime Plan, outlining strategy and priorities
- Commissioning victim support services
- Overseeing complaints handling
- Collaborating with local fire and rescue services, particularly in England
This model was viewed as a bold experiment to enhance local control and transparency over police operations, with regular elections providing communities with a direct voice.
The Announcement: Why PCCs Are Being Scrapped
On 13 November 2025, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed the government’s intention to scrap PCCs as part of a broader plan to strengthen police standards and restore neighbourhood policing. The new governance will be effective from 2028, coinciding with the next scheduled elections for PCCs. This reform is expected to save £100 million, with £20 million per year directed toward hiring additional neighbourhood officers.
The rationale for removing PCCs centres on:
- Perceived inefficiencies and duplicated bureaucracy
- Low public confidence in PCCs
- Enhanced integration with wider public services such as healthcare and education via regional mayors
- Reassertion of central government control as policing faces multiple challenges
In Wales, the government has pledged to take into account devolved local government arrangements to ensure a smooth transition.
What Happens Next? Transitional Arrangements
From 2028:
- In areas with elected mayors, policing functions and budgets will become mayoral responsibilities.
- In non-mayoral areas, elected council leaders will take on the governance role.
- Wales will receive tailored arrangements reflecting its unique devolved structure.
- The government has committed to maintaining continuity in support services for victims and witnesses.
A forthcoming Police Reform White Paper will detail additional powers, plans for a National Centre of Policing, and a police performance unit to boost standards nationwide. These reforms align with a Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, which promises named officers for every community, increased patrols in peak areas, and 3,000 extra officers by spring 2026.
Impact: Financial Savings and Frontline Policing
Scrapping PCCs delivers significant financial benefits:
- £100 million saved by 2029
- £20 million reinvested yearly, funding 320 additional constables annually
- Reduced governance costs, with resources shifted to frontline services and neighbourhood policing
The government asserts that these savings will enhance crime prevention efforts and increase police visibility amid growing concerns over public safety.
Criticism and Concerns
The government’s plan has drawn criticism from various quarters:
- The Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) expressed disappointment, noting the lack of consultation and warning of a potential “accountability vacuum” at a time of public trust challenges.
- Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp accused the government of replacing directly elected officials with “faceless committees,” raising concerns about transparency and community input.
- Existing PCCs, such as Merseyside’s Emily Spurrell, argue that their roles have been vital in reforming and improving policing accountability.
There are also concerns that the abolition may centralise power, reduce local democracy, and undermine efforts to address specific community needs, particularly in rural areas, where organisations like the NFU advocate for a specific focus on rural crime.
Historical Significance and Legacy
When PCCs were first introduced in 2012, expectations were high. The model promised real local accountability, visible leadership, and innovative commissioning of services for victims. Over time, PCCs were credited with:
- Directly influencing police priorities through regular consultation with their communities
- Improving service delivery by collaborating with wider emergency services
- Providing oversight for chief constables and offering alternatives in cases of misconduct
Yet the experiment has been marred by criticism over low public engagement, questions about effectiveness, and sometimes strained relationships with police authorities. Many felt the system was not sufficiently understood or valued by the public, failing to deliver the accountability or transformation promised.
