Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard has responded to the Government’s announcement that his role will be abolished from May 2028, assuring residents that his office will maintain “business as usual” in the meantime.
The plan, announced yesterday, will see the abolition of elected PCCs across England and Wales, with savings projected at £100million, plus £20million a year earmarked for reinvestment in frontline policing, enough for 320 constables.
Since 2012, PCCs have been elected to hold forces to account, but turnout at the polls and public knowledge of who their local PCC is has been incredibly low.
Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, branded PCCs as a “failed experiment” as it was announced that public understanding of, and engagement with, PCCs remains low despite efforts to raise their profile. Two in five people are unaware PCCs even exist.
In Bedfordshire the PCC role will be absorbed by elected council leaders, meaning measures to cut crime will be considered as part of wider public services such as education and healthcare.
Reacting to the reforms unveiled by the Home Office, Mr Tizard said in a statement: “As Police and Crime Commissioner, I want to reassure everyone that I remain committed to delivering for you, and for our communities across Bedfordshire.”
Mr Tizard emphasised that until the transition takes effect in two and a half years, the current governance arrangements will remain unchanged, saying: “It will be business as usual for the next two and a half years.”
He acknowledged that the details of the new structure after May 2028 are still emerging, explaining: “We are still awaiting further details from the government on precisely what the governance after May 2028 will look like. What we know so far is that from May 2028, the PCC role will transfer either to a combined-authority mayor, or, as in the case of Bedfordshire, a new governance arrangement of senior local authority leaders and co-opted members with a dedicated lead for policing.”
Assuring staff and the public alike of his commitment to transparency and fairness, Mr Tizard added: “Full details on how this will affect governance structures and staff are emerging, but I will push with transparency and fairness in every decision affecting our workforce.”
Reiterating that the functions his office performs will not be lost, he said: “Whatever the governance arrangements the core roles undertaken by the team in my office will continue even if under different political arrangements.”
He went on to stress that the strategic priorities for the office remain unchanged, adding: “Between now and the proposed change over, my team will continue to work to the highest standards. Our priorities, to keep Bedfordshire safe, listen to the public, provide commissioned services and ensure accountability and strategic oversight for policing remain unchanged. I will work to minimise uncertainty and disruption.”
Home Secretary, Ms Mahmood, said: “The introduction of police and crime commissioners by the last government was a failed experiment.
“I will introduce new reforms so police are accountable to their local mayoralties or local 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.”
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