The Government’s plan to abolish police and crime commissioners (PCCs) in England and Wales, aiming to save at least £100 million, has sparked a mixed response in Gloucestershire.
Established in 2012, PCCs are directly elected officials charged with holding police forces accountable and ensuring efficient policing. They replaced police authorities but are now set to be absorbed by regional mayors where they exist, or by elected council leaders in areas without mayors, such as Gloucestershire. This transition is planned to take place at the end of the current electoral cycle in 2028.
The reform is part of a broader national effort to raise policing standards. However, Gloucestershire’s Conservative PCC, Chris Nelson, expressed serious concerns about the move, calling it a “dangerous gap in accountability” at a time when public trust in policing is delicate.
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“I am deeply disappointed by this decision and the absence of any consultation,” Nelson 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 secured millions in extra funding and united partners to enhance safety in Gloucestershire.
“Removing PCCs now risks creating a dangerous void in accountability, potentially allowing abuses of police power to go unchecked. Whatever replaces PCCs must guarantee clear, locally rooted leadership. The public deserves nothing less.
“I will continue to represent Gloucestershire until the end of my term, advocating for our communities and collaborating with partners to keep our county safe.”
Martin Surl, Gloucestershire’s first PCC from 2012 to 2021 and a Liberal Democrat candidate in 2024, suggested the end of PCCs was inevitable as the roles became “very party political.” He urged the Government to carefully consider the new approach to police scrutiny, hoping it won’t regress to the old police authorities but instead prioritizes the interests of the county, its public, and the police.
“Party politics and local policing don’t mix well,” Surl said. “What comes next is critical.”
On the other hand, Councillor Ray Brassington (Lib Dem, Four Acres), chairman of the Gloucestershire police and crime panel that oversees the PCC, welcomed the Government’s decision. He highlighted that the abolition would save millions in public funds and clarified that this was not a reflection on the commissioners themselves.
“As chair of the police and crime panel, I appreciate the dedication of the current Commissioner and his team to protecting our county,” Brassington said. “From a political standpoint, scrapping PCCs was part of the Lib Dem manifesto last year, so it’s positive to see the Government adopt this key policy.”
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described the PCC experiment as failed and pledged reforms to make police forces accountable to local mayors or councils. The savings generated will be reinvested to increase neighbourhood policing across the country.
“I recognize the hard work of all current and former PCCs and thank them for their service,” Mahmood said. “They will continue in their roles until their terms conclude.”