CLARE Moody, Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset, says her work will continue – despite the government announcing the role is to be abolished.

On Thursday (November 13), Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood (Lab, Birmingham Ladywood) announced PCCs will be abolished by the 2028 election cycle, a move the Government said would save at least £100 million.

The Home Secretary said the move came as “turnout at the polls and public knowledge of who their local PCC is has been incredibly low”, with two in five people unaware PCCs even exist.

PCC roles will be absorbed by regional mayors wherever possible, or by elected council leaders in areas without a mayor – such as Somerset.

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“The introduction of police and crime commissioners by the last government was a failed experiment,” the Home Secretary said.

“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.”

Reacting to the news, Avon & Somerset PCC Moody, said: “It is important to stress that this is not an immediate change. The current system remains in place until 2028, and all the important work underway, including commissioning vital support services, scrutinising police performance and building safer communities, continues as normal.

“I want to reassure partners, community groups and residents that current commissioning, funding and scrutiny work will continue.

“The relationships and partnerships built across our communities remain central and will be maintained throughout any transition.

“This will not be a rushed process. It will be carefully planned, and more details will be shared as they become available.

“Above all, my focus remains the same – working with the police to keep people safe, supporting victims and working with partners and communities to prevent crime and harm.

“I will continue to deliver on that mission with the same commitment, openness and collaboration that underpin everything I do.”

Chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC), Emily Spurrell, the PCC for Merseyside, said: “On behalf of our communities we are deeply disappointed by this decision and the lack of engagement with us.

“For more than a decade, directly elected Police and Crime Commissioners have transformed policing accountability and delivered essential support services for victims of crime. Having a single, visible local leader – answerable to the public – has improved scrutiny and transparency, ensuring policing delivers on the issues that matter most to local communities.

“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.

“Many of today’s flagship government missions – supporting victims, working with local partners to prevent crime, tackling violence against women and girls – originated with and are delivered by PCCs, reflecting the priorities of our communities.

“Whatever follows in our place must be rooted in local and national accountability, clear and identifiable leadership and connected to local communities. The public deserve nothing less.

“PCCs have worked hand-in-hand with the Home Office and operational policing to shape a police service fit for the future and confront policing’s biggest challenges. We remain committed to ensuring that public accountability remains at the heart of police reform.”