Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, has released a statement following news that the Government will abolish the role of PCCs.
“The key role of an elected Police and Crime Commissioner is not only being the voice of our communities but being the champion for some of those key services that provide life-changing support to the most vulnerable people in our society.
“That is why I believe it is a sad day for the victims of crime in Surrey and the amazing organisations my office commissions and funds, many of whom are already operating in uncertain times.
“Today’s announcement over the abolishment of the PCC model makes clear that the statutory functions of the role, which are crucial to ensuring police governance, will need to continue.
“But what is not clear for our residents is what that will look like for Surrey and whether those powers will come under a directly elected mayor.
“Our county will soon be moving to a two unitary model and whilst the Government has committed to having a strategic authority in Surrey, the question of whether that means a mayor remains unanswered.
“I would urge them to clarify what that means for our communities in what is already a period of great change for our county.
“My concern is that whatever follows the PCC model will be less democratic, less accountable, less transparent, and worse value for money for the people of Surrey.”