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Jess Brown-Fuller welcomes plan to scrap Police and Crime Commissioners and urges Government to invest savings in frontline policing
- emilylovell6
- Nov 17
- 2 min read
On Wednesday 12 November, the Government announced that it will scrap Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) nationwide, describing the system as a “failed experiment”. Following the statement, Jess Brown-Fuller, MP for Chichester, said residents in her constituency had seen little benefit from PCCs. Instead, people rarely see police officers due to low staffing levels.
Jess called on the Government to make sure that any savings made from abolishing PCCs are directed into frontline policing.
During a question to Sarah Jones, Minister for Crime, Policing and Fire, Jess said:
“The abolition of police and crime commissioners is welcome. My constituents in Chichester are understandably frustrated by how unclear it is what benefit the role brings; they rarely see a PC due to decreased numbers in our area. The policing function will pass to a mayor next year. Can the Minister confirm that the savings made will deliver more frontline policing in areas with low numbers of police officers, such as Chichester, so that they can tackle the growth in antisocial behaviour and rural crime?”
PCCs were introduced in 2012, replacing police authorities. The powers of PCCs will transfer to mayors and council leaders in 2028, with the Government predicting that their scrapping will save £100m by 2029.
Afterwards, Jess said:
“This is a huge Liberal Democrat win, and one we have long campaigned for. PCCs are confusing and an added layer of bureaucracy that provides very little in return.
Residents in Chichester and the surrounding areas regularly tell me about a lack of visible police presence. The position of PCC has done little to resolve these concerns.
The Government claim this move will lead to millions in savings, which must be put into boosting the number of police on the ground to tackle rising antisocial behaviour and rural crime.”
