The Government has confirmed that the role of Police and Crime Commissioners will be abolished from 2028 in a major shake-up of policing governance.
The system, introduced in 2012 to give communities a direct say in local policing, will be replaced by oversight from directly elected mayors, their deputies or newly created Police and Crime Boards. Ministers say the change will streamline decision-making, cut duplication and refocus resources on frontline policing.
Policing minister Sarah Jones told MPs the current model had “failed to live up to expectations” and had not delivered what it was designed to achieve.
She said public understanding of PCCs remained low, with government figures suggesting that fewer than one in five people can name their commissioner.
According to ministers, the reforms are expected to save £100 million over the course of this parliament, with an estimated £20 million a year redirected into frontline policing.
Police and Crime Commissioners are elected paid officials, and there are 41 in England and Wales. Their responsibilities include setting police budgets, appointing chief constables, preparing policing plans and evaluating force performance.
Jonathan Evison, Police and Crime Commissioner for Humberside, said the announcement marked a significant change but that the focus on community safety would continue.
He said: “While today’s announcement signals the end of the PCC role, our commitment to public safety remains unchanged. Until 2028, we will continue to deliver on our Police and Crime Plan, hold the Chief Constable to account, and ensure that the voices of our communities are heard.
“We will work closely with government and local leaders to guarantee a smooth transition that strengthens policing and keeps people safe.
“Importantly, I want to reassure victims of crime that service provision and support will remain at the highest standards throughout this transition.”
The transition process begins immediately. Areas already operating under combined authority mayors are expected to provide a template for the new arrangements, and the Home Office will publish detailed guidance on how responsibilities should transfer to ensure continuity.
Evison added that day-to-day policing would not be affected as the changes are introduced.
“I want to reassure the public that business will continue as usual during this transition. All core services including emergency response, crime investigation, victim support and community safety initiatives will remain fully operational.
“Our teams are committed to maintaining high standards of service delivery, and there will be no disruption to policing or public safety.”