WARWICKSHIRE’S police and crime commissioner Philip Seccombe has described the government’s decision to abolish his post as “a kick in the teeth”.
It was announced today (Thursday) that all police and crime commissioners across the country would be abolished from May 2028.
Reacting to the announcement, Mr Seccombe said: “The announcement to abolish police and crime commissioners is deeply disappointing and can only make policing less accountable and more remote from the communities it serves. The government offers very little detail on what comes next or why this would represent a step forward. I think it is outrageous that a decision of this magnitude has been imposed with no consultation or public engagement- as PCCs we were given just 90 minutes’ notice before it became public.
“The justification offered – that PCCs have a small electoral mandate – ignores the reality that turnout for PCC elections is now broadly comparable to local authority and mayoral elections. To base such a significant change on outdated arguments is extremely disappointing.
“Since the role was introduced, PCCs have transformed the way policing is governed with proper scrutiny to ensure that community priorities are addressed, as well as strengthening local partnerships and delivering improved support for victims of crime. These achievements risk being undone by a return to a more distant committee model or a remote deputy mayor that lacks accountability and visibility. I fail to see how either model will replicate the level of focus and accountability offered by PCCs.”
Mr Seccombe continued that in Warwickshire his office had built considerable expertise and delivered outstanding results, including securing the funding to commissioning services for victims worth around £2.8 million each year.
He added: “During my tenure, officer numbers have grown from around 800 in 2016 to 1,140 today, responding to one of the key concerns of local people. I have introduced a Police and Crime Plan shaped by local priorities and invested heavily in technology to support the force – all achieved despite the biggest reductions in central government funding per head of population in England and Wales.
“It feels like a kick in the teeth to see that swept away based on spurious justifications. It undervalues the work PCCs do and the difference we make to community safety. I am also concerned what this decision means for the future of the hard-working staff of my office and I will be working hard to get more answers from the government.”
A Home Office spokesperson said removing PCCs would cut the cost of unnecessary bureaucracy – money that could be better spent on restoring neighbourhood policing. They claimed at least £20 million would be saved each year, enough for 320 constables.
