The Government’s plan to abolish police and crime commissioners (PCCs) across England and Wales has stirred mixed reactions in Gloucestershire. Aiming to save at least £100 million, the move is part of broader policing reforms intended to raise national standards.
PCCs, directly elected since 2012, were established to hold police forces accountable and ensure effective governance, replacing previous police authorities. Under the new proposals, their responsibilities would be transferred to regional mayors where applicable, or to elected council leaders in areas without mayoral governance, such as Gloucestershire.
This transition is expected to take place after the 2028 electoral cycle. While the government emphasizes financial savings and streamlined accountability, local opinions differ sharply.
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Chris Nelson, Gloucestershire’s Conservative PCC, expressed strong opposition to the plan, warning it could create a “dangerous gap in accountability” amid already fragile public trust in policing. He cited a lack of consultation and highlighted the value PCCs have provided in local leadership, improved performance, and securing additional funding.
Nelson stated, “Removing PCCs now risks increasing the danger that abuses of police power remain hidden. Whatever replaces PCCs must ensure clear, locally rooted leadership. The public deserves nothing less.”
Martin Surl, Gloucestershire’s first PCC from 2012 to 2021 and a recent Liberal Democrat candidate, acknowledged the growing politicization of the role and believed the writing was on the wall for PCCs. He urged the government to carefully consider a future model that prioritizes the best interests of the county, the public, and the police—rather than reverting nostalgically to old police authorities.
“Party politics and local policing don’t mix well,” Surl remarked. “What comes next is critical.”
Conversely, Ray Brassington, Liberal Democrat councillor and chair of Gloucestershire’s police and crime panel, welcomed the government’s move. He stressed the potential savings and clarified that the decision is not a criticism of current commissioners or their teams. Brassington noted that scrapping PCCs was a policy commitment in the Liberal Democrat manifesto and expressed satisfaction that it has influenced government action.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described the introduction of PCCs as a “failed experiment,” pledging reforms to shift police accountability to local mayors and councils. She confirmed that the savings would be reinvested into boosting neighborhood police presence nationwide.
Mahmood also acknowledged the dedication of current and former PCCs, assuring that they will serve until their terms conclude.
As Gloucestershire prepares for this significant leadership change in 2028, questions remain about how the balance between accountability, effective policing, and public trust will be maintained moving forward.