UK to Abolish Police and Crime Commissioners in 2028 — Plaid Calls for Full Devolution of Policing to Wales

UK announces end of PCCs in 2028; Plaid demands policing powers be devolved to Cardiff

The UK government has announced plans to abolish police and crime commissioners (PCCs) in England and Wales, with the posts scheduled to be removed in 2028. Policing Minister Sarah Jones said the Home Office will work with Welsh ministers to design replacement arrangements for Wales' four PCC roles, but emphasised the move "isn't about the devolution of policing."

Responses from Welsh politicians and PCCs

Plaid Cymru said the decision to scrap PCCs should be accompanied by a full transfer of policing and justice powers to the Welsh government in Cardiff. Plaid MP Ann Davies described the current England-and-Wales system as demonstrating "absurd complexity" and asked whether devolving the entire justice system to Wales would be a logical solution.

Welsh Labour and Plaid Cymru are among those pressing for greater devolution. First Minister Eluned Morgan said Welsh Labour wants conversations with the UK government "on the future of policing." Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens acknowledged the debate "may rumble on."

In a joint statement, Wales' four PCCs — who said they will engage constructively with government plans — emphasised their priorities: "accountability, transparency and public service" must remain central to any new oversight model.

Criticism and concerns

Former South Wales PCC Alun Michael criticised the timing of the announcement and questioned the government's claim that the change would save £100m over this Parliament. Speaking on BBC Radio Cymru, he argued that those savings were unrealistic and warned dismantling PCCs would require alternative accountability mechanisms.

"You can't save that sort of money," Michael said, adding that crime prevention and public accountability have been central responsibilities of commissioners.

Why PCCs were created

PCCs were introduced in 2012 to improve local accountability and create a formal link between police forces and the communities they serve. Their statutory duties include appointing (and, if necessary, dismissing) chief constables, setting annual force budgets and deciding the police precept — the portion of council tax dedicated to policing. PCCs also publish Police and Crime Plans, oversee community safety and consult with local stakeholders. PCCs are political offices, but they do not run day-to-day policing; the operational independence of chief constables and police forces is protected by law.

Turnout and legitimacy

Policing Minister Sarah Jones said the PCC model had "failed to live up to expectations," citing research that only 16% of voters could name their local PCC. In Wales, turnout in last year's PCC elections was 17%, a statistic used by ministers to justify structural change.

Who currently represents Wales?

• Emma Wools — South Wales PCC
• Andy Dunbobbin — North Wales PCC
• Jane Mudd — Gwent PCC
• Dafydd Llywelyn — Dyfed Powys PCC (Plaid Cymru)

Three of the four current Welsh PCCs are Labour and one represents Plaid Cymru.

What happens next

The UK government says it will transfer PCC functions in England to elected mayors "wherever possible." With no elected mayors in Wales, officials say they will work with the Welsh government to find suitable arrangements while stressing the change is intended as structural reform rather than devolution. Talks between Westminster and Cardiff are expected as ministers and politicians consider how best to preserve local accountability and public confidence in policing oversight during and after the transition.