The government’s decision to scrap Police and Crime Commissioners in 2028 has raised concerns in Bedfordshire, where three separate local authorities may now have to share responsibility for holding Bedfordshire Police to account.
This morning, the Bedford Independent broke the news that Bedfordshire’s PCC will be abolished as part of a national shake-up to save £100m during this parliament.
Read: Bedfordshire PCC role to be scrapped in national shake up of policing
The Home Office says the move will allow an additional £20m a year to be redirected into frontline policing, equivalent to roughly 320 officers nationwide.
Under the plans, the responsibilities of PCCs, setting the annual police budget, appointing chief constables, and producing police and crime plans, will transfer either to elected mayors or to new committees led by council leaders.
In Bedfordshire, the force serves Bedford Borough, run by an elected mayor, and Central Bedfordshire Council and Luton Council, which both have a council leader.
This announcement has therefore triggered questions about how a single policing body will operate when three political leaders are vying for the attention and priority of one force.
Unanswered questions
Bedfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard said his office will continue working as normal until May 2028, but warned that major questions remain unanswered.
“It will be business as usual for the next two and a half years. We are still awaiting further details from the government on precisely what the governance after May 2028 will look like,” he said.
He added that any new model must be transparent and fair to staff and communities, and that he will push to minimise uncertainty during the transition.
“Between now and the proposed changeover, my team will continue to work to the highest standards. Our priorities, to keep Bedfordshire safe, listen to the public, provide commissioned services and ensure accountability and strategic oversight for policing, remain unchanged.
“I will work to minimise uncertainty and disruption,” he said.
Meanwhile, elected Mayor of Bedford Borough, Tom Wootton (Conservative), said the key issue is ensuring Bedford Borough isn’t sidelined.
“I have always been clear that strong, transparent and locally accountable policing is essential,” he said.
“With the Police and Crime Commissioner model now set to be repealed in 2028, the priority must be clear. Whatever governance replaces it must deliver better outcomes for Bedford Borough, not dilute our voice as has too often been the case.
“Bedfordshire Police serves three very different areas, Bedford Borough, Luton and Central Bedfordshire, each with its own challenges and priorities.
“I have been explicit in my discussions with the Chief Constable that Bedford Borough must receive its fair share of officers and resources.”
He added that he will “press relentlessly” for more visible policing, stronger enforcement and greater focus on day-to-day crime affecting residents.
Cllr Henry Vann, the Liberal Democrat’s 2027 mayoral candidate, has welcomed the government’s decision, which he has said is “a Liberal Democrat manifesto commitment”.
In a statement, he said: “Local councils can do the job of holding the police to account just as well – let’s stop wasting money and restore democracy.”
Bedfordshire Police Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst has declined to comment at this stage.
Accountability and effectiveness
The government insists the change will streamline policing, improve accountability and allow crime prevention to be considered alongside wider public services.
The Home Secretary described the PCC system as a “failed experiment”, citing low public recognition, with fewer than 20% of voters able to name their PCC.
But opposition parties and some commissioners say scrapping PCCs now is the wrong move at the wrong time.
Huntingdonshire, Merseyside, Norfolk and other areas across the country have echoed local concerns about accountability and the speed of the government’s decision.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said the government is “tinkering around the edges” during a period of rising crime and pressure on frontline policing.
Emily Spurrell, Merseyside’s PCC and chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, said the decision risks creating “an accountability vacuum”.
However, the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the Police Federation welcomed the reform, saying it could strengthen local leadership and free up funds for frontline work.
What happens next?
Details of the new governance model for Bedfordshire are expected over the coming months. Under current guidance, the role would transfer either to:
- an elected regional mayor, or
- a new committee of council leaders and co-opted members, with one designated policing lead.
But, with Bedfordshires being made up of local authorities governed in different ways, how the change will affect local policing remains up in the air.
Until then, PCCs remain in place, with Bedfordshire’s next police and crime plan, budget cycle and commissioned services expected to run as normal.
