The government has announced plans to abolish Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) in England and Wales by May 2028.

In areas with elected mayors, responsibility for police oversight will transfer to combined  authorities, integrating policing with services such as transport and housing. In non-mayoral regions, new oversight boards led by council leaders will take on the role. 

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed the decision on X, stating: “For over a decade, they have overseen our police forces but have failed to provide the sufficient democratic  oversight they were set up to do.” 

According to the government, the reform will free up around £100 million in savings that will be  used to hire 320 additional constables and strengthen neighbourhood policing. The move aligns  with Labour’s target of recruiting 3,000 additional officers by spring 2026.

However, critics warn the restructuring could weaken accountability in policing. 

Emily Spurrell, chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, expressed disappointment decision stating:

“Abolishing PCCs now, without any consultation, as policing faces a crisis of public trust and  confidence and as it is about to be handed a much stronger national centre, risks creating a  dangerous accountability vacuum.” 

The announcement comes just weeks before the Autumn Budget, due to be delivered by Chancellor Rachel Reeves on 26 November. 

The government says the budget will focus on cutting NHS waiting lists, reducing the national debt, and improving the use of taxpayers’ money by rooting out waste in public services.