Police Commissioner responds to Government axing role
Labelling their introduction as a “failed experiment”, the Government said it will save around £100 million a year, with at least £20 million reinvested annually as a result of efficiencies in police governance, enough for 320 constables, the Home Office said.
Since 2012, PCCs have been elected to hold forces to account, but turnout at the polls and public knowledge of who their local PCC is has been incredibly low.
Their roles will be absorbed by regional mayors wherever possible, meaning measures to cut crime will be considered as part of wider public services such as education and healthcare.
In areas not covered by a mayor, like Powys, this role will be taken on by elected council leaders. The unique circumstances of devolved local government arrangements in Wales will be taken into consideration. The government said it will ensure there is continuity of the support services for victims and witnesses that are currently provided by PCCs.
The transition to the new model will happen at the end of the next electoral cycle in 2028.
But the announcement has understandably frustrated Mr Llywelyn, who has been in office since 2016 as the Plaid Cymru candidate.
In a statement released this morning, he said that the announcement “represents a significant moment for policing governance in Wales and across England”.
“As PCCs, we and our offices perform vital functions that make a real and tangible difference to the lives of thousands of people, from commissioning critical services for victims and survivors, to holding our police forces to account, shaping local priorities, and representing the voices of our communities,” he said. “This important work will continue throughout any transition period.
“While the detail of future governance arrangements has yet to be determined, it has been clear for some time that reform of the policing landscape has been high on the Government’s agenda. Both former and current Home Secretaries have indicated an intention to review and reshape local policing oversight. As this process unfolds, our focus remains on ensuring that accountability, transparency and public service remain at the heart of any new model.
“We believe it is essential that the next phase delivers stability, continuity and confidence, for the public, for victims, for policing partners and for the workforce.
“The transition must not divert attention from what matters most: keeping people safe, supporting victims, and building public trust in policing.
“As the future roadmap is developed, we stand ready to contribute our knowledge, experience and insight to help shape the next oversight model. We urge the UK Government, Welsh Government and the Home Office to work collaboratively with us and to consult widely across Wales to ensure that any new arrangements reflect Welsh priorities and maintain the highest standards of accountability and service.
“Ultimately, any future system must serve the best interests of policing and the public, safeguarding local accountability while supporting effective, community-focused policing.
“We welcome the Government’s stated commitment to ensuring that public confidence remains central to policing oversight, and we are committed to engaging constructively to achieve that goal.
“The role of PCC may change, but our dedication to the people of Wales and our Force areas remains unwavering. We will continue to champion victims, uphold public confidence, and work tirelessly to ensure that policing in Wales remains responsive, fair and effective through this period of transition and beyond.”
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