Wiltshire's PCC Hits Out at Government's Decision to Scrap Role

Thursday, 13 November 2025 13:45

Wiltshire & Swindon PCC, Phillip Wilkinson, says he finds the Government's decision to remove the role of Police and Crime Commissioner "deeply disappointing and completely unacceptable."

Police and crime commissioners are to be scrapped in England and Wales to save £100m over the course of this parliament, the government has announced.

The Home Office said that there is evidence that less than 20% of voters can name their PCC, with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood describing the system as a "failed experiment".

There are currently 37 elected commissioners under the system, including Mr Wilkinson. The role was introduced 12 years ago by former Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron.

The role will cease to exist at the end of the commissioners' current terms in 2028 and move to either an elected mayor or council leaders.

Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: “Today’s announcement that PCCs will be abolished from May 2028 is deeply disappointing and completely unacceptable.

“There has been zero consultation and no clarity on how the vital functions my office delivers will be maintained. In Wiltshire, I am told I will be replaced by a committee of local authority leaders - but no explanation of how they will take on the complex responsibilities we currently manage.

“For more than a decade, PCCs have brought democratic accountability to policing, secured millions in extra funding for victim services and community safety, and driven improvements in transparency.

“Removing PCCs now - at a time when public trust in policing is at an all-time low - risks creating an accountability vacuum and taking policing backwards.

“Leaving forces to mark their own homework on standards, performance and finances, is forcing policing back into a time where many will not want to be taken – and one that PCCs have worked hard to move forwards from.

“Nearly all the government’s flagship priorities - supporting victims, tackling violence against women and girls, preventing crime in local communities - were pioneered by PCCs and funded through our offices. Shifting these responsibilities to already cash-strapped councils will harm communities and victims.

“I will fight this decision on every level because Wiltshire deserves clear, visible leadership and strong local accountability. The public deserve nothing less.”

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