By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
The Government’s plans to abolish police and crime commissioners and save £100m has been met with mixed reaction in Gloucestershire.
The directly-elected roles which were created in England and Wales in 2012 were set up to hold police forces to account and make sure they are well-run.
They replaced police authorities but the plans now are for them to be absorbed by regional mayors wherever possible.
In areas not covered by a mayor, such as Gloucestershire, this responsibility would be taken on by elected council leaders under the latest proposals.
The transition to the new model will happen at the end of the next electoral cycle in 2028.
The move comes as part of a major series of reforms to policing to raise national standards.
However, the county’s Conservative PCC Chris Nelson believes the move will create a “dangerous gap in accountability” at a time when trust in policing is “fragile”.
“I am deeply disappointed by this decision and the absence of any consultation,” he said.
“For over a decade, PCCs have provided visible local leadership, improved performance and accountability, and delivered vital services for victims of crime.
“Our office also secured millions in extra funding and brought partners together to make Gloucestershire safer.
“I firmly believe in the value of being a democratically accountable voice for Gloucestershire’s public.
“Removing PCCs now, as trust in policing is fragile, risks creating a dangerous gap in accountability, increasing the risk that abuses of police power remain hidden in the shadows.
“Whatever replaces PCCs must guarantee clear, locally rooted leadership. The public deserve nothing less.
“I will continue to represent Gloucestershire until the end of my term, standing up for our communities and working with partners to keep our county safe.”
Martin Surl, who was the county’s first PCC from 2012 until 2021, felt the “writing was on the wall” after the positions became “very party political”.
Mr Surl, who stood as the Liberal Democrat candidate in 2024, wants the Government to think very carefully about the future model for scrutinising the police.
And he hopes whatever comes next will not be a “nostalgic” return to the old police authorities but to something which has the best interests of the county, public and police at heart.
“Party politics and policing at a local level doesn’t mix well,” he said.
“What comes next is critical.”
Councillor Ray Brassington (LD, Four Acres), who is the chairman of the police and crime panel which scrutinises the PCC in Gloucestershire, has welcomed the move by the Government.
He believes the abolition of the PCC will save millions of pounds of public money however it’s not a criticism of individual commissioners and their departments.
“As Chair of the Gloucestershire Police and Crime Panel I know how much time and effort the current Commissioner and his team devote in their role in protecting the people of our county.
“From a political perspective scrapping them was in the Liberal Democrat Manifesto last year.
“So it is good to see that the Government has adopted much of a key Lib Dem policy.”
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the introduction of PCCs was a failed experiment and she will introduce reforms to make police accountable to their local mayors or councils.
“The savings will fund more neighbourhood police on the beat across the country, fighting crime and protecting our communities.
“I would like to recognise the efforts of all current and former police and crime commissioners, and thank them.
“These individuals served their communities and will continue to do so until they have completed their current terms.”