POLICE and Crime Commissioners are set to be scrapped in England, the government has announced.
The Home Office has said that the 37 commissioners in post will be abolished at the end of their current term, which comes in 2028.
The role of the Police and Crime Commissioner, held by Matthew Barber in Thames Valley, includes setting budgets, producing policing plans, assessing force performance, and appointing chief constables.
It is currently expected that their duties will be given to elected mayors or council leaders.
The Home Office said that the move would aim to save around £20m, which it would seek to invest in frontline policing.
PCCs were introduced under David Cameron’s leadership in 2012, and are elected to the position.
Sarah Jones, Policing minister, said in the House of Commons that the model had “not delivered” what it was intended for.
Matthew Barber, Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, said: “I am, of course, disappointed with the Government’s decision to abolish the PCC role.
“However, my primary concern is that I continue to work with the police to further drive down crime while I remain in my role, and of course for the staff in my office who are affected and face a period of uncertainty.”
He explained: “Since being in office, I and my staff in the OPCC have achieved a great deal to improve the accountability and scrutiny of policing.
“We have worked with the force to deliver efficiencies and improvements in service for our local communities and engaged and led local partners across criminal justice to create safer communities and improve support for victims of crime.”
He continued: “It’s important to state that there is still over two years before the transition to the Government’s new model takes place.
“I will continue to work constructively with the Chief Constable during this period, on issues such as knife crime, tackling shoplifting and reducing vehicle crime.”
