Council leaders welcome abolition of PCC role

The abolition of the Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has been welcomed by the leaders of the four local councils.

The role is being removed across England and Wales when the elected PCCs current terms end in 2028.

A letter sent to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood earlier this month by Hull City Council's Mike Ross, East Riding's Anne Handley, North Lincolnshire's Rob Waltham and North East Lincolnshire leader Philip Jackson expressed their "sincere thanks" for the announcement.

Current Humberside PCC Jonathan Evison previously said he was "shocked" at the decision to abolish the position, adding it was "completely out of the blue"

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the leaders' letter said: "We welcome this decision and share your ambition to strengthen local accountability and deliver improved outcomes for our communities.

The council leaders state they have met to discuss the implications and were "committed to working collaboratively to ensure a smooth and effective transition".

The letter proposes a joint committee with representatives from each of the councils to plan the post-PCC future.

"This committee would work closely with your department and relevant stakeholders to oversee the transition process," they wrote.

Plans to replace PCCs are still being discussed.

Some areas with a directly elected mayor could see police supervision moved under their control.

However, the Humberside force is geographically split between the Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority and the Greater Lincolnshire Combined Authority.

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