The government have announced today that they will be scrapping Police and Crime Commissioners (PCC’s) with their roles being absorbed by existing mayors and council leaders by the end of 2028.
The government have said that this will save taxpayers at least £100 million and help to fund more frontline officers to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.
The PCC’s role was implemented in 2012 and are responsible for setting annual budgets, appointing chief constables, creating policing plans, and holding police forces accountable for adhering to this plan. However, the Home Office state that public awareness and engagement with PCC’s has been very low.
Therefore, they have decided to pass on the PCC’s duties to local mayors or council leaders, which will take place at the end of the commissioners’ terms in 2028, so that measures to cut crime and anti-social behaviour are considered as part of wider public service like education and healthcare.
Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood states:
“The introduction of Police and Crime Commissioners by the last government was a failed experiment.
I will introduce new reforms so police are accountable to their local mayoralties or local councils. The savings will fund more neighbourhood police on the beat across the country, fighting crime and protecting our communities.
I would like to recognise the efforts of all current and former Police and Crime Commissioners and thank them. These individuals served their communities and will continue to do so until they have completed their current terms.”
Emily Spurrell, Chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC), said:
“On behalf of our communities we are deeply disappointed by this decision and the lack of engagement with us.
For more than a decade, directly elected Police and Crime Commissioners have transformed policing accountability and delivered essential support services for victims of crime. Having a single, visible local leader – answerable to the public – has improved scrutiny and transparency, ensuring policing delivers on the issues that matter most to local communities.
Whatever follows in our place must be rooted in local and national accountability, clear and identifiable leadership and connected to local communities. The public deserve nothing less.”
Read Emily’s full statement here
So, what will this mean for anti-social behaviour?
As with any major structural change, it is difficult to predict the long-term impact at this stage. At ASB Help, we will continue to monitor developments closely, reviewing information and feedback from both victims and practitioners as it becomes available, to understand how this change may affect those experiencing anti-social behaviour.
We have valued our long-standing relationship with the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) and hope that those leaving their commissioner roles will continue to champion the rights and voices of ASB victims in their future work.
Since this transition is not expected to take place until 2028, we will share further updates and guidance nearer the time to help victims and practitioners understand what to expect and how to prepare.