A Labor Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) says she disagrees with the government’s decision to ax her job from 2028.
In November, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said scrapping the role of England and Wales would save £100m during the current parliamentary term. She added that most voters don’t know who their PCC is.
Asked about the move, Avon and Somerset PCC Clare Moody said: “I regret that this decision has been taken, you won’t be surprised…people don’t fully understand what we do.”
Police Minister Sarah Jones previously told the House of Commons that the PCC model “failed to live up to expectations” and “did not achieve the objectives it set out to achieve”.
PCCs are elected officials who serve as a link between local police forces and the communities they serve.
They are responsible for setting police budgets, appointing police chiefs in their areas, and working with other agencies to improve public safety.
When Ms Moody’s term ends in 2028, her review of Avon and Somerset Police will be taken over by a committee of local authority leaders, including West of England Mayor Helen Godwin.
In some areas of England where there is a mayor, including London and Manchester, the deputy mayor will assume the responsibilities of the PCC.
The change was not in the Labor manifesto and Ms Moody said the announcement came as a surprise.
But despite her role being canceled, she said she remains positive.
“I love this job. I think there is huge value in the work of the Police and Crime Commissioner.
“I still have two and a half years to prove its worth… but this is a decision that has been made,” she said.
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