“IT’S INEXCUSABLE, inexplicable and unacceptable” – those are the words of the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) over Government plans to axe the role.
Simon Foster has spoken out against the move to remove the role in England in a bid to save £100million and help to fund frontline officers to cut crime and protect town centres.
Under the plans it is said the role will be absorbed by regional mayors -meaning measures to cut crime will be considered as part of wider public services such as education and healthcare.
Mr Foster said: “The government has chosen to announce its decision, without any prior consultation or engagement with Police and Crime Commissioners. That is inexcusable, inexplicable and unacceptable.
“There is no credible evidence base for the decision and it did not feature in the manifesto. I share concerns raised by PCCs cross party and across the country.
“I was elected and re-elected on a clear democratic mandate, to retain the role of Police and Crime Commissioner.
“Over 327,000 people voted for me – that’s more than voted for either of the 2 main Mayoral candidates and on an equivalent turnout. I take the trust placed in me extremely seriously. I will continue to give my absolute 100 per cent all to this role, to prevent and tackle crime and keep the people of the West Midlands safe and secure.
“The claimed savings are illusory. I have seen no evidence to justify them. In any event, the claimed extra £20million for front line policing would mean about 16 police officers in the West Midlands.
“In the West Midlands, we have about 700 fewer police officers than we did in 2010. An additional 16 police officers is nowhere near, replacing the 700 officers that we need.”
This decision will have no direct effect in the West Midlands.
It was already the government’s intention to drive through a transfer of the PCC to the West Midlands Combined Authority in 2028.
The Government says the transition to the new model will happen at the end of the next electoral cycle in 2028.
The move comes as part of a major series of reforms to policing to raise national standards within the police, strengthen performance management and end the postcode lottery in crime outcome.
Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said: “The introduction of PCCs 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.”
