Wiltshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson has criticised the government’s decision to abolish PCCs in England and Wales, describing the move as “deeply disappointing and completely unacceptable”.
Under new plans announced by the Home Office, the role of Police and Crime Commissioners will be scrapped from May 2028, with their responsibilities transferred to elected mayors or committees of local authority leaders. The government said the change would save £100 million over the course of the current parliament and allow for extra investment in front-line policing.
Mr Wilkinson said there had been “zero consultation” on the decision and “no clarity” on how the work carried out by PCC offices would continue once their roles are replaced.
“In Wiltshire, I am told I will be replaced by a committee of local authority leaders – but no explanation of how they will take on the complex responsibilities we currently manage,” he said.
He warned that removing PCCs could weaken local accountability and undo years of work to improve transparency and public trust in policing.
“Removing PCCs now – at a time when public trust in policing is at an all-time low – risks creating an accountability vacuum and taking policing backwards,” he said.
The government has defended its plans, arguing that the PCC model has “failed to live up to expectations” and that transferring powers to local authorities will bring policing closer to wider public services.
But Mr Wilkinson, who was elected as Wiltshire PCC in 2021, said the decision risks harming communities and victims.
“Nearly all the government’s flagship priorities - supporting victims, tackling violence against women and girls, preventing crime in local communities - were pioneered by PCCs and funded through our offices,” he said. “Shifting these responsibilities to already cash-strapped councils will harm communities and victims.”
He added: “Wiltshire deserves clear, visible leadership and strong local accountability. The public deserve nothing less.”
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