The government has announced plans to abolish all Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) roles in England and Wales, ending the system introduced in 2012 to boost accountability in policing.
Under the new structure, responsibilities currently held by PCCs will be transferred to elected mayors or local council leaders, depending on regional arrangements.
The change will take effect after the current term ends in May 2028, with officials promising at least £100 million in savings by the end of this Parliament.
Ministers argue the PCC model failed to deliver improved accountability, with low voter turnout and limited public recognition undermining its purpose.
Critics of the move, however, warn that merging police oversight with broader local leadership could weaken transparency and politicise policing decisions.
Supporters say the reform will simplify local governance and redirect funds to frontline officers, while opponents question whether combining political and policing power will truly enhance community trust.
