The role of Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) across England and Wales is set to be abolished in 2028, a decision that has sent shockwaves through the sector. The government announced the move, stating the current model has not met its objectives. In Devon and Cornwall, the incumbent PCC, Alison Hernandez, expressed surprise and concern over the lack of consultation.
Key Takeaways
- The Police and Crime Commissioner role will be abolished in 2028.
- Responsibilities will transfer to elected mayors or council leaders.
- The government aims to save £100 million annually.
- Devon and Cornwall PCC Alison Hernandez was “shocked and surprised” by the announcement.
- Some Cornwall MPs have called for Ms. Hernandez to resign immediately.
Government’s Rationale for Abolition
Policing minister Sarah Jones announced the decision in Parliament, asserting that the PCC model has “not delivered what it was set up to achieve.” She highlighted low voter turnout in PCC elections and a general lack of public awareness, with “two in five people are unaware PCCs even exist.” The minister argued that the PCC model has weakened local police accountability and negatively impacted the recruitment of chief constables, contrasting it with the perceived success of the mayoral model.
Financial Implications and Future Plans
The government estimates that abolishing the PCC role and related bodies will save approximately £100 million per year. This saving is intended to fund an additional 320 police constables nationwide, bolstering neighbourhood policing efforts. The Home Office stated that the duties of the PCCs will be absorbed by either elected mayors or council leaders, with the transition planned for the end of the current commissioners’ terms in 2028.
Reaction from Devon and Cornwall PCC
Devon and Cornwall PCC Alison Hernandez described the announcement as “sudden” and made “without any consultation.” While acknowledging that absorbing the role into mayoral models makes sense in areas where mayors exist, she expressed nervousness about the next steps for Devon and Cornwall, which currently lacks a mayor. Ms. Hernandez suggested this development might necessitate making a case for a Devon and Cornwall mayor to ensure a strong regional voice.
Criticism and Calls for Resignation
Some MPs have reacted strongly to the news. Liberal Democrat MP for North Cornwall, Ben Maguire, and MP for St Ives, Andrew George, have called for Alison Hernandez to resign immediately. They labelled the PCC role a “failed Tory experiment” and a “pointless role,” arguing that her continued tenure would “waste millions more in taxpayer funds.” They believe the savings could be better allocated to frontline policing.
Association of PCCs’ Concerns
The Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) expressed “deep disappointment” and highlighted a “lack of engagement” with the government. The APCC chair warned that abolishing PCCs without consultation, especially during a period of public trust challenges in policing, risks creating a “dangerous accountability vacuum.”
Sources
- Devon and Cornwall PCC ‘shocked’ to hear her role to be abolished, BBC · 2 days ago.
- Police and crime commissioners role scrapped in Cornwall, Falmouth Packet · 2 days ago.
- Cornwall MPs call for Crime Commissioner to ‘resign immediately’, Cornwall Live · 2 days ago.
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Devon and Cornwall PCC Role Abolished in Shock Government Move