Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 30
30
Acknowledged
Home Office anticipates police reform White Paper impact from 2026-27, abolishing PCCs and establishing National Centre.
Conclusion
The Home Office said that it expects the police reform White Paper to start having an impact from 2026–27.86 As part of this, the Home Office said that it will work out implementation plans to establish new arrangements following the abolition of the role of police and crime commissioners.87 The Home Office told us it is also reversing its previous light-touch approach and plans to establish a National Centre of Policing. In doing so, the Home Office will consider how to hold police forces to account and the system of accountability that is needed.88 78 Qq 33-36 79 Q 33; C&AG’s Report, para 1.9 80 Committee of Public Accounts, Financial sustainability of police forces in England and Wales, First Report of Session 2015–16, HC 288, 9 September 2015 81 Qq 12, 61, 63 82 Qq 66, 67 83 C&AG’s Report, para 1.9 84 Qq 7, 8; C&AG’s Report, para 1.13 85 Qq 62, 64, 65 86 Q 29 87 Qq 42-45 88 Qq 121, 123 17
Government Response Summary
The government published the Police Reform White Paper, setting out an ambitious programme to improve the quality, consistency and efficiency of policing. Plans to abolish the Police and Crime Commissioner model at the end of their current term in May 2028.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
6.2 On 26 January 2026, the government published the Police Reform White Paper, setting out an ambitious programme to improve the quality, consistency and efficiency of policing. The reforms aim to reduce duplication and deliver £354 million in efficiency savings, supported by a new performance system and a modernised police workforce equipped to tackle modern crime using improved technology. The Police Reform White Paper proposes a new policing model comprising of a National Police Service for cross‑border crime, strengthened regional forces for specialist investigations, and locally focused policing for community crime. A new Police Performance Framework will provide a consistent national picture of crime and policing activity across England and Wales. 6.3 The Police Reform White Paper sets out plans to abolish the Police and Crime Commissioner model at the end of their current term in May 2028. At this point, policing functions will transfer to Strategic Authority Mayors where possible, or to elected council leaders through new Policing and Crime Boards, which will be scalable to future force structures. Subject to Parliamentary time, the government intends to legislate through a Police Reform Bill to bring about these changes. The Home Office is working with partners to design a stronger governance system, with Boards appointing a Policing and Crime Lead and assuming responsibility for holding Chief Constables to account, setting priorities, agreeing the precept, and ensuring robust financial oversight. Tailored arrangements are being designed for Wales.